5 days ago
Remembrance ceremony marks 6 years since 5/31 mass shooting in Virgina Beach
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A remembrance ceremony was held Saturday behind Virginia Beach City Hall to remember those who lost their lives in the mass shooting at Virginia Beach's Municipal Center Complex and to uplift the survivors.
The ceremony recognized the 12 people killed and 4 injured in the mass shooting that took place on May 31, 2019, a day described as the darkest day in Virginia Beach history.
'Our foundation is still rocked by what happened,' said Virginia Beach mayor Bobby Dyer. 'We've been pretty proactive about making sure that we're doing the right thing, you know, to help out those, you know, who need it.'
In a statement on Facebook, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine stated:
'Today, we honor and remember the 12 lives tragically lost six years ago in the horrific shooting in Virginia Beach. We must end gun violence by preserving and strengthening our gun safety laws to prevent future tragedies and protect our communities.'
Family members of victims, survivors and other attendees all wore blue as a sign of unity.
'It's very important to make sure that we remember it and make sure we not just be here in sadness, but also be here, enjoy and like bring comfort to the ones who need it and always remember and not forget,' said Morgan Nixon, daughter of victim Katherine Nixon.
A moment of silence took place at 4:06 p.m.., the exact time the 911 call was received on this day 6 years ago.
'This is a commitment to honor the memories of so many important people in Virginia Beach, who paid the ultimate sacrifice and are still have the grieving families we can never forget. We will never forget,' said Mayor Dyer.
A memorial to honor the victims and survivors is currently under construction.
'We're investing $14 million in that because we want this to be a structure that when people come, they will feel the warmth, they will feel the empathy. And once again, we will honor the memories we can never forget,' said Mayor Dyer.
The memorial is set to be completed in May 2026. Mayor Dyer says these ceremonies will continue each year to honor those affected by this tragedy.
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