VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Author's note: the video above is on file from May 28, 2021.
The City of Virginia Beach is opening the application period for people who want to work on a lasting memorial for victims, survivors and first responders from the municipal center mass shooting from May 31, 2019.
That day, an employee shot and killed 12 people in Building 2, and hurt at least five others.
It was an attack that left a deep scar on the Virginia Beach community.
In the days following the shooting and on the anniversaries of the tragedy, people left flowers and mementos to remember the victims at temporary memorials around the city.
Now, the city government is putting together a 5/31 Memorial Committee to organize a more permanent place to remember those lives.
"I do think it's taken the city longer than needed to move forward. But I also think there should be some optimism there because I can assure you from my point of view that the City of Virginia Beach should do this very, very well," said City Councilman Michael Berlucchi.
The committee will help advocate for families and survivors, get input about the memorial from the public, collect design ideas, figure out a funding plan and decide where to put the eventual memorial.
"Ultimately, the final product should be one that reflects the seriousness, the gravity of the tragedy as well as a reflection of our city's care and consideration for those who were impacted," said Berlucchi.
Berrlucchi and Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten were appointed to the memorial committee.
The group will include:
- 2 city council members
- At least 2 architecture design professionals
- At least 1 mental health professional
- 3 members of the general public (at least 2 of whom are directly affected by the 5/31 shooting)
- 1 representative from the Historic Preservation Commission
- Family & survivor liaison (the consulting firm Kearns & West)
If you want to be a part of the project, you can fill out a questionnaire and application on the city's website. They're due by Nov. 1, 2021.
After the application process, the liaison will bring recommendations before the Virginia Beach City Council for consideration. Council will appoint the committee members.