By: Megan Way | Photos by Lawrence Oravetz
On October 1st evening, to commemorating the lives of the 58 victims of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.) City of Las Vegas worked together with (x) to invite the community to a Remembrance Ceremony at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden (1015 S. Casino Center Blvd).
Mayor of Las Vegas Carolyn Goodman says, “Those lives were senselessly taken without any cause or purpose leaving family and loved ones broken so many injured and so permanently scarred and all of the rest of us absolutely devastated.” In the four days following the tragedy, volunteers from the community created the Healing Garden. “it was born of love and prayers from all over Las Vegas converged on this spot; this garden has become a symbol a symbol for and tribute to the real humanity of these 58 and to all those who are still recovering and like us all have been forever marked by October 1st. We shall not forget October 1st and all of these souls.”
For the ceremony, for each of the 58, their name was said out loud by City of Las Vegas Mayor Goodman and City of Las Vegas Communications Director David Riggleman, a bell tolled, and a candle was lit in their memory.
Also in attendance was New York Senator Bernie Sanders.
About Las Vegas Community Healing Garden: The garden, now managed and cared for by Get Outdoors Nevada and the LV Community Healing Garden Committee, continues to grow and thrive. Visitors come daily to see the beauty of the LV Community Healing Garden. Family members lovingly decorate the trees of their loved ones. Survivors find a place of comfort, fellowship, and healing. Although created out of tragedy, the LV Community Healing Garden has become a beacon of hope for so many in the valley and beyond.
