The City of Geneva flag outside City Hall has been lowered in memory of the people who lost their lives stemming from the violence in Charlottesville, Va. Aug. 12.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns issued the following statement:

"Sometimes the greatest struggle in responding to tragedy is deciding what to do, how to react and what words to share with those who have irrevocably impacted.

The tragedy in Charlottesville, Va. moved me in in such a profound way that simply being disgusted and upset seemed insufficient.

Therefore, to honor the lives lost in Charlottesville, Va. Aug. 12 - and to send a message that the City of Geneva rejects bigotry and hatred in all its forms and unambiguously denounce the evil perpetrated by white supremacists groups, neo-Nazi's and the like - I have lowered the City of Geneva flag at City Hall to half-staff Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 20.

My hope is that this small gesture will send an unmistakeable message to our citizens, businesses and guests of our community that the City of Geneva shares the pain of the good people of Charlottesville, Va. and, in particular, the families, friends and colleagues of Ms. Heather Heyer and Virginia State Police Officers H. Jay Cullen and Berke M. M. Bates."