2024 Events

Five-Year Remembrance Ceremony

Friday, May 31, 2024 • 4 p.m. • Near site of future 5/31 memorial (near Building 30), 2408 Princess Anne Road

An in-person ceremony will be held to remember those we lost, and to lift up survivors and those still healing. On this milestone year of remembrance, we will dedicate the site of the future 5/31 memorial. The event will include a moment of silence, reading of names, musical quartet by Symphonicity, and remarks from members of the 5/31 Memorial Committee. Attendees are invited to share memories, thoughts and sentiments on biodegradable paper to be buried on site. The ceremony will also be livestreamed on virginiabeach.gov and the City’s Facebook page .

City of Virginia Beach 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, 2024 and that names Friday, May 31, 2024, as Love For VB Day.

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.

Fitness & Dance Classes

Physical activity is beneficial to improving health and reducing symptoms of stress related to trauma. Throughout the month of May, utilize your Rec Membership and participate in a high intensity workout class like Turbo Kick & Cardio HITT, or slow things down with Yoga and Tai Chi! Get your heart pumping and body moving by joining the FREE Dance Bash Spring Series at Mt. Trashmore or a FitLot class at Williams Farm, offered for all ages and abilities. Be sure to register at Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Fitness and Wellness!

VBPL Resiliency Programming for All Ages

Multiple Dates and Times • Virginia Beach Public Library Branches

Virginia Beach Public Libraries are hosting relaxing programs in the month of May so you can unwind, recharge and shed some of that school stress. Come tap into your artistic side and hang out with friends all month long with dance and sound classes. 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 others have created.

• Drumming Fundamentals Workshop A Sound Mind: Exploring the Impact of Music on Mental Health
• Hip Hop Dance Workshop
• Tiny Art Show
• Teen Paint Night
• Homeschool Hangout
• Teen Dance Fitness

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
• Love For VB Frame 2

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 Friday, 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 Friday, 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.