2023 Events

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.

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.

VB Strong Center Wellness Activities

Multiple Dates and Times • VB Strong Center, 3388 Princess Anne Road, Suite 200

During the week of May 27, the Virginia Beach Strong Center is offering various wellness activities and events.

• May 28: Embracing the Present Moment, Noon to 1:30 p.m. / 5:30-7 p.m.
  Join in with Stars of HOPE to create your own symbol of resilience through artistic expression.
• May 29: StretchLab, 2-5 p.m.
  Find purpose in movement with the StretchLab. Active stretching and one-on-one personal demonstrations will be available to learn various stretches for wellbeing.
• May 30: Lunch & Learn, Noon to 2 p.m.
  Discuss the link between food and mental wellness with a licensed dietitian and diabetic specialist. Healthy meal will be provided.
• May 31: Day of Connection and Reflection, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Licensed professional will provide short, solution-focused sessions. Sessions are an hour long.

Hosted by the VB Strong Center.
These free events are offered in-person and require registration at the VBSC website.

Social Media Frames

Show your support by adding a 5/31 Remembrance Frame to your social media profile photo.

• Love For VB Frame 1

Frames from previous years are still available.

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. The below image is a 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.

Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center

The Love For VB symbol will be 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.

Remembrance Flags

Remembrance flags, featuring the Love For VB symbol, will be flown at more than 40 locations throughout the city.