BY BOBBY DYER
VIRGINIA BEACH — Thank you for joining us to observe the anniversary of the destructive and deplorable May 31, 2019, event – marking three years since 12 beautiful souls were tragically taken from our community.
Three years ago today, this city was rocked by an unspeakable tragedy. The damage inflicted was physically, mentally and emotionally immeasurable.
It’s difficult to imagine something like that happening, until it does.
And when it did happen, it was even more difficult to see a path forward, out of the immediate darkness of grief and sadness. Three years later, we are still going through the grieving process. But with our grief, there is brightness and hope.
Even in the moments, the days and the weeks immediately following this tragedy, a glimmer of who we are as a community began to shine through. From our first responders to city staff from various departments to volunteers who stepped in to assist in whatever capacity was needed, the people of this city stepped up and gave of themselves in so many ways to help carry our collective burden.
A philosopher once said, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
On May 31, 2019, and the days that followed, we felt the burden and depth of a cold winter. Yet, because of the spirit, the generosity and the caring from people throughout our city and beyond our borders, we also saw the comfort, and light, and warmth that is part of that “invincible summer.”
Out of this darkness, the vibrancy, the tenacity and the dedication that continues to define this city and its people broke through and we saw in human terms what VB Strong really means. And they will continue to do so into perpetuity.
It is a very real and sad fact that communities across our nation have far too often been left to deal with the aftermath of such tragic events. But our firm belief must be to not lose faith in the world around us while preserving our own humanity.
Take care of ourselves and each other. Allow grace and compassion for one another. Grieve how you need to grieve, and at your own pace. Protect your mental and emotional health, as well as the physical.
As these words from the Dalai Lama express, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
At a time when it may have been unclear as to how we could ever possibly move on, we did. And we did it together, not losing sight of the fact that, despite what fate may bring us, we can and will survive by reaching out and being there for each other.
As I said before, we are and always will be a city of tenacity and resiliency, and we will never allow an act of violence to define us.
To those of you who experienced the loss of a co-worker or a family member or witnessed the tragedy, I understand that this has been and continues to be a heavy burden for you to carry. And while no one can take away all that you have gone through, we can assure you that your loved one’s name and the memory of them will never, ever be forgotten.
To those of you who were in Building 2 during that horrible event, we know and understand the pain and damage to your memory and your soul, and we will always be here to help you with your healing.
No mayor does anything by themselves. It’s the people in the community who do so much and help us stay strong. “VB Strong?” You bet. VB Strong every day and always.
May God bless each and every one of you. Thank you.
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