6 Years Later: Events To Honor, Heal From 1 October
1 October: There are truly no string of words, no script or feeling that can capture what our Las Vegas community went through.
When scrolling and reading each victim’s story, many of us can’t help but feel that tense lump creep up in our throat.
However, as Amelia Barr said, “It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it.”
Our community has come together in a way that is a testament to our strength, reliance and love for one another. Each year around 1 October, our city hosts a plethora of events that honor, give respects and help heal our community from the horrible events that took place on that sorrow day.
The Sunrise Remembrance Ceremony
The Sunrise Remembrance Ceremony is held to remember the victims from the 2017 shooting. This ceremony will be held at the country’s Government Center Amphitheater in downtown Las Vegas on Oct. 1 at 7:30 a.m.
The family of victims will often speak at the Sunrise Ceremony with Steve Gomez — father of Angie Gomez — scheduled to be there. Other speakers include Gov. Joe Lombardo, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Clark County Commission Chair Jim Gibson, according to News 3 LV.
Reading of the Names Ceremony
One of the most powerful and moving ceremonies during this week, Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and City of Las Vegas Communications Director David Riggleman will read the names of each victim starting at 10:05 p.m. — the time when the shooting started.
“A bell will toll and a candle will be lit in remembrance for each person we lost as a result of the attack at the Route 91 Harvest Festival,” the event’s information states.
The ceremony will take place at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden located at 1015 S Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101 in the Arts District.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden will also host emotional support hours. The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center staff will be there to give information about the center’s services while also giving “emotional support to anyone needing it.”
Visit The 1 October Memorial Design Concept & Creative Expressions Exhibit
The 1 October Memorial will be available for the public’s viewing from Sept. 11 – Oct. 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit is located in the Rotunda Gallery in the first floor of the Clark County Government Center.
The “Forever One Memorial” has 58 candles and 22,000 lights that represent the number of people who attended Route 99 Harvest Festival. The Art of Healing Mural and Angels of Love exhibits will also be available for viewing.
For our Families Who Speak Spanish
The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center and the United Way of Southern Nevada will host an event that commemorates the Sixth Anniversary of the events from 1 October for families that speak Spanish. It will be a healing event meant for families and those affected by Route 91. According to the event’s page, there will be food, drinks and more. The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 5830 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103 at 6:30 p.m.
Blood Drives
There are a plethora of blood drives that are happening around the city. The Vegas Strong Resiliency Center and Clark County will host blood drives at the Clark County Government Center Outdoor Amphitheater throughout the week. Click here for times.
The Vegas Golden Knights will be hosting a blood drive with Vitalant on Sunday, October 1. The blood drive will take place outside of City National Arena from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Make Sure To Take Time For Yourself
For those who may need any additional help, email the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center at [email protected]. For 24/7 support please call, text or chat 88lifeline.org for help.
