Join us as we come together to remember 1.3 million Americans killed or injured by guns, since the Sandy Hook shooting on Dec. 14, 2012, including 12 fatalities and 4 wounded at the Virginia Beach mass shooting in 2019. Virginia Beach Resistance and Freedom Virginia are hosting a candlelight vigil from 5:30 to 7 pm on Sunday, Dec. 14, at the location of the VB shooting, VB Municipal Bldg. 2, 2446 Courthouse Drive. Our event is anchored by the 13th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., held by the Newtown Action Alliance near the 13-year mark of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting tragedy, when a 20-year-old gunman armed with an AR-15 hunted and murdered 20 first graders and six educators. Across the country, vigils and gatherings will honor lives stolen by gun violence, uplift survivors, raise awareness, and demand urgent action from our leaders to finally end this epidemic. From schools and workplaces to houses of worship, neighborhoods, grocery stores, homes, nightclubs, streets, and even our democracy itself, gun violence impacts every aspect of American life. The theme of this year’s campaign is #FreedomToLive, the simple, powerful idea that every person deserves to live free from the daily threat of gunfire. Together, survivors, families, advocates, and allies will raise our voices to ensure that FREEDOM means the right of every person to live, learn, work, worship, speak, vote, and gather without the daily fear of gun violence. Bring your own candles and stand in solidarity with over 1.3 million Americans who have been shot since Sandy Hook, with every community devastated by gun violence for decades. You’ll also send a clear message to your local, state, and federal lawmakers, raise awareness, and help build the movement for common-sense solutions. A core principle behind all our events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Note that we are doing this without a city permit and must stay on the sidewalks and public property. If officials do ask us to disperse, we will need to do so.