VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Landmarks and buildings all over the world will be illuminated blue Monday to bring awareness to World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Awareness Month.
For the sixth year in a row, several buildings in Virginia Beach and the United States will “turn blue” at dusk on April 2.
The “Light It Up Blue” campaign, sponsored by Autism Speaks, helps raise awareness for more than 70 million people around the world with autism.
Mayor Will Sessoms declared April 2 Autism Awareness Day in Virginia Beach.
“I am pleased that the City of Virginia Beach can support this worthy effort,” he said. “Autism Spectrum Disorder affects more than 2 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Those are astounding numbers and we’ve got to do everything we can to address this problem.”
On Monday, blue lighting will be turned on simultaneously at the following locations throughout Virginia Beach:
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (717 General Booth Blvd.)
- Virginia Beach Convention Center Tower (1000 19th St.)
- Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (2200 Parks Ave.)
- Law Enforcement Memorial (35th Street at the Boardwalk)
- Light Garden at Princess Anne Commons Gateway Park (3740 Dam Neck Road)
- Wave Sculpture (31st Street – Laskin Road roundabout)
- Municipal Center – (Bldg. 30)
- Atkinson Realty – (5307 Atlantic Avenue)
- Atkinson Realty – (932 Laskin Road)
The Wells Fargo Center building in downtown Norfolk will illuminate the skyline blue.
Throughout the month of April, people can show their support by getting involved in four ways:
- Change your white bulbs to blue. Light up your home, business, school, place of worship or website to show your support.
- Wear a blue and ask your friends, coworkers or classmates to do it too.
- Turn your Facebook or Twitter profile picture blue.
Visit www.lightitupblue.org for more information.
