2023 Remembrance Activities & Special Programming
Ceremonial Programming
Four-Year Remembrance Ceremony
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 • 8 p.m. • City Hall Loop, 2401 Courthouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
An in-person vigil will be held to allow the community to gather to remember those we lost, to lift up survivors and those still healing. Candles will be provided; however, seating will not be available.
The event will include the reading of names, a candle ceremony, musical performance by Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and speakers who represent the First Responder community.
The 12 blue lights to honor the victims will be returning to Building 2 and will continue to shine in remembrance through the night.
Virginia State Flags
Mayor Bobby Dyer issued a proclamation that calls for the flag of the City of Virginia Beach to be flown at half-staff in all City buildings and on City grounds from May 29 through sunset on May 31, 2023 and that names Wednesday, May 31, 2023, as Love For VB Day.
Governor Glen Youngkin recognized May 31, 2023 as Virginia Beach Remembrance Day in respect and memory of the victims of the May 31 shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, their families, and the entire Virginia Beach community.
View All the Ways to Remember and Reflect
Below is an overview of the plans the City of Virginia Beach will be offering throughout the month of May. Several free activities for all ages have been curated specifically to meet people where they are on their healing journey, help improve resiliency, promote mental health and overall wellness, and allow individuals to reflect and remember those we lost in their own way.
Special Programming
The VB Strong Center, Virginia Beach Public Library, Virginia Beach Department of Human Services, and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation are offering free activities for all ages throughout May. These are just a sampling of events, be sure to check out their websites for more information and activities!
Free Fitness & FitLot Classes
Multiple Dates and Times • Virginia Beach Recreation Centers
Physical activity is beneficial to improving health and reducing symptoms of stress related to trauma. Drop-in May 17 & May 31 at 6 p.m. for a free high intensity workout class like Turbo Kick or Cardio HITT. Also offered Monday through Friday is the new FitLot classes created for all ages and abilities, designed to enhance strength, cardio, balance, and flexibility. Be sure to register at Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Fitness and Wellness!
VBPL Mindfulness & Resiliency Programming for All Ages
Multiple Dates and Times • Virginia Beach Public Library Branches
The library is hosting relaxing programs in the month of May so you can unwind, recharge and shed some of that school stress. Come snuggle animals and hang out with friends all month long. You can also unlock your creativity by joining the Tiny Art Show. Pick up a canvas from your local library, create your masterpiece, and then return it so it can be part of the show at Central Library. Attend the Tiny Art Show opening night to see all the artwork other teens have created.
• Teen Only Teeny Tiny Farm
• Relax with Reptiles, presented by Reptile Education of Virginia
• Sea Turtle Rescue
• Tiny Art Show
• Relax with Reptiles
• Kitten Cuddles with Billy the Kidden Rescue
• Tiny Art Show Gala
Hosted by Virginia Beach Public Library.
Some events require registration. For program information and to sign up, click the link below.
DHS Mental Health Awareness Events
Multiple Dates and Times
The Virginia Beach Department of Human Services offers classes throughout the month of May to address:
» Mental Health First Aid
» Community Wellness
» Help Me Understand Seminar: Anxiety
Hosted by the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services (DHS). For more information about the events, call (757) 385-0803.
Show Your "Love For VB"
We know that for many, remembrance and reflection are a personal experience. Here are a few ways you can remember in your own way and show “Love For VB.”
Coloring Sheets
Gain the therapeutic benefits of coloring by completing one of these coloring sheets and place it somewhere visible for all to see. Full color options are also available.
Go Blue
Wear blue in remembrance on Wednesday, May 31.
Graphic for concept only. Not available for sale.
A Moment of Silence
Observe a moment of silence on Wednesday, May 31, at 4:06 p.m., the time when the first 911 call was received. Please pause wherever you may be at that time.
Love For VB Around Town
Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center
The Love For VB symbol is currently displayed on the “Love” sign at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center, 341 S Birdneck Road.
Mount Trashmore
Our forget-me-not flower will again be painted at Mt. Trashmore on the front of the hill just below the City seal.
City Buildings & Bridges
City facilities and bridges including Building 30, the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Greenwich and Lesner Bridge will light up blue in remembrance starting May 15.
Remembrance Flags
Remembrance flags, featuring the Love For VB symbol, will be flown at more than 40 locations throughout the city.
