VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach showed up to the Rock Church, as one. From family members of the victims to city Virginia Beach city employees and strangers who just wanted to show support, it was a tremendous show of unity Thursday night.
"This is what Virginia Beach is about. We are defining who we are right now in these moments by coming together," said Virginia Beach City Councilman Aaron Rouse.
Rouse said he couldn't be more proud of how the community has reacted in the days following the most tragic event in the city's history.
"We have to confront all our issues but most importantly we have to love one another, that's where it starts at, and it starts with the love and dignity we have for each other," said Rouse.
From police uniforms to yellow vests to ordinary office attire, city employees from every department flooded Rock Church to pray for the co-workers they lost and their families.
"This gathering is extremely important for all of us so that we can come together. We can share our sorrow. We can support our friends," said Virginia Beach City Vice Mayor Jim Wood.
The support is needed after 12 of the city's own were killed at the municipal center.
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"We've all been affected by this senseless tragedy," said Wood.
"We all realize that it very well could have been any of us so we are just here to show the support and just let them know that we have their backs, said Housing Specialist Kimberly Jernigan.
Other local and state leaders joined the remembrance service offering their condolences, but also their encouragement to a community still searching for answers.
"Virginia Beach has suffered a terrible tragedy. Our hearts break for everyone impacted," said Governor Ralph Northam.
While Congresswoman Elain Luria said, "I'm so proud to call Hampton Roads home. Our community gives me strength and I want to pay it forward."
Community members were eager to do any little thing just to give back. For Joseph Stallings, that meant joining the choir to sing Amazing Grace.
"It means a lot because this city has given a lot to us growing up here, going to high school, having family, friends, fun, it means a lot for us to come together," said Stallings.
While Debbie Bedosti traveled from Norfolk with her therapy dog, providing a tiny break from reality for people as they entered the church.
"I had one woman tell me a story about her mother and how she was almost at the building but wasn't because she had to pick up her prescriptions. It's just a stress relief," said Bedosti.
Reverend Adrienne Black said what's happening is more than just a vigil, it's a leap of faith that God will guide Virginia Beach through this.
''Just release and let go and let God, and thank God in advance for healing us as a community and as a region for what has happened," said Black.
Wood said he sees healing in Virginia Beach's future.
"Our world is rocked. Make no doubt about it, but, we will prevail as a stronger, more united community," said Wood.
Mayor Bobby Dyer reassured that unity means: through the ups and downs everyone's in it going forward.
"We will be with the people forever. This is not a short term effort. We are going to be resilient and we are going to do what we need to do to make a terrible wrong right," said Dyer.