Virginia Beach, Virginia marks a somber day on May 31 as the community reflects on the tragic events that unfolded five years ago. It was on this day that a shooter entered Building 2 at Virginia Beach’s municipal center, resulting in the loss of 12 lives and injuries to others.
Survivors and loved ones gathered near Building 30 to honor and remember those who were lost in the tragic incident. The names of the victims were read aloud during the ceremony, evoking emotions and memories for those in attendance.
Among the names mentioned were Katherine A. Nixon, Laquita C. Brown, Tara Welch Gallagher, Mary Louise Gayle, Alexander Mikhail Gusev, Richard Nettleton, Christopher Kelly Rapp, Ryan Keith Cox, Joshua O. Hardy, Michelle “Missy” Langer, Robert “Bobby” Williams, and Herbert “Bert” Snelling.
A moment of silence was observed at 4:06, the exact time the first 911 call was made on that fateful day, as a tribute to the victims. Family members and survivors came together to pay tribute to their loved ones and to honor their memories.
One of the individuals remembered during the ceremony was Ryan Keith Cox, hailed as a hero for his selfless actions in saving eight women during the shooting. His brother, Ervin Cox, shared his profound loss and the impact of losing his sibling on that tragic day.
The gathering also served as a dedication to the memorial site where a permanent memorial will be erected to honor the lives lost in the mass shooting. Participants expressed their hopes to respectfully and thoughtfully commemorate the victims, their stories, and the enduring impact of the tragedy.
As the community continues to grapple with the trauma and loss, efforts are underway to create a lasting tribute at the memorial site. Plans include a hero’s tree, a survivor’s grove, and uplifting messages to provide solace and remembrance for those affected by the tragedy.
Despite the passage of five years, the memories of the Virginia Beach mass shooting remain vivid in the minds of many. Some families seek more assistance and accountability to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy, while others look ahead to the completion of the memorial as a symbol of remembrance and healing for the community.
As the city commemorates the anniversary of the tragic event, various initiatives like the Love For VB flower and the illumination of city facilities serve as poignant reminders of the lives lost and the resilience of the Virginia Beach community in the face of adversity.