The City of North Las Vegas commemorated those killed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert on October 1st two years ago by planting a tree and unveiling a Memorial Bench at the Craig Ranch Regional Park. The bench was commissioned by Neysa Tonks’ parents Chris and Debbie Davis as a memorial to their daughter and the 57 others who were slain that night.
The metal bench has the slogan “Las Vegas Strong” and the silhouettes of the American Flag and selected well known Strip buildings carved into the back. Nearby there is a newly planted tree surrounded by a decorative concrete edging with seven stars representing the Nevadans killed at the event and 51 stars for the others who were lost.
Neysa’s sister, Mynada Smith spoke movingly about her sister and told the crowd, “We encourage everyone today and every day to honor the 58 by letting your light shine,”
While the event was centered around the families of the victims, Mayor John Lee was present and voiced the hope the bench might become a spot for others to stop a moment, reflect on their own problems, find solace and give thanks for what they still have in their own lives.
Councilwoman Pamela Goynes-Brown indicated she was happy to see the “tree of hope,” and a spot where people could sit and reflect on the events of two years ago.
The Memorial Bench is one of several gifts Chris and Debbie Davis have given to the Las Vegas community in commemoration of their daughter and her memory. In 2018 they established the “Children of the 58” scholarship to provide college funds for school-aged children of those who died in the shooting.
