VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Scores of people marched on Mount Trashmore Saturday morning to remember the victims of the municipal center shooting.
“We’re walking for the victims, their families, first responders, and the entire Hampton Roads community,” said event organizer Angel Perkins.
“Every step that we take today is a step towards healing. It’s going to take a very long time for our community to move in that direction but together, it can be done.”
Full Coverage: Tragedy in Virginia Beach
Even as the looming threat of gray rain clouds hung overhead, neighbors, friends, and families carried posters and American flags, wearing T-shirts and stickers reading "VB Strong."
Participant Deborah Guerrero declared, “Rain or shine, we’re good!”
They gathered to send a message to those affected by the tragedy, that the entire community is on their side.
“Prayers are being lifted up for every single one and we hope that you will have the comfort that you need to be able to endure this,” said another walker, Maricela Delacruz Johnson.
Today’s march was also a fundraiser. The donated money will help the survivors and the victims.
“One hundred per cent of the proceeds will go directly to the United Way," Perkins said. "As many of you know, the city has paired with United Way in order to put up a tragedy fund for the victims and their families.”
More about the victims:
- Tragedy in Virginia Beach: Remembering Laquita Brown
- Melanie Coffey: 'You are heroes who serve our community every day...' | Shooting survivor thanks first responders
- Survivor: Keith Cox saved lives during the Municipal Center shooting
- Joshua Hardy: 'Picture perfect neighbor' among the slain in mass shooting
- Mass shooting victim Missy Langer was supposed to be on vacation with her sister
- Man remembers friend, Richard Nettleton, who was killed in the Virginia Beach mass shooting
- 'Her laugh was infectious' | Best friend remembers Kate Nixon
- Tragedy in Virginia Beach: Tidewater Pipes and Drums remembers Christopher Rapp
- Stafford County honors Virginia Beach shooting victim Christopher Rapp
- Herbert Snelling: Church, friends remember contractor killed in Virginia Beach mass shooting