VIRGINIA BEACH — People from around the world have reached out here with “love and kindness,” asking what they can do to support the city and honor the victims of the May 31 municipal center shooting.
Officials said the city will be lighting up landmark locations throughout Virginia Beach in blue in honor of the 12 who died in that horrific incident.
“We are inviting others to join us in solidarity by lighting up buildings in blue now through this Saturday, June 8,” officials said.
Tuesday, blue lighting was turned on at the following locations throughout Virginia Beach:
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center – 717 General Booth Blvd.
- Virginia Beach Convention Center Tower – 1000 19th St.
- Virginia Beach Municipal Center, Building 30 – 2508 Princess Anne Rd.
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art – 2200 Parks Ave.
- Law Enforcement Memorial – 35th Street at the Boardwalk
- Wave Sculpture – 31st Street – Laskin Road Roundabout
- The Lesner Bridge – Shore Drive
- Clark Nexsen Building – 4525 Main St. at Virginia Beach Town Center
Virginia Beach City Public Schools will be participating where possible as well, officials said.
“We appreciate everyone who is willing to light up their home, business, school, place of worship or website to show their support,” officials said.
Anyone interested in providing monetary support, officials said to consider donating here or by texting the keyword VABEACH to 41444.
Virginia Beach has partnered with United Way to process the donations and those affected by the tragedy will receive 100 percent of the funds raised. Please note, because these funds will go directly to individuals, donations are not tax deductible.
The city also welcomes offers from those interested in volunteering to assist in the aftermath of this tragedy and that effort is being coordinated through VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads.
Officials are asking “volunteers do not self-deploy and remain at home until they are contacted and given instructions,” and to be “sure that you have filled out a complete profile on the VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads website so that we can properly contact you should you be needed.”
