Seven years after a gunman targeting Mexicans killed 23 people and wounded 22 others at an El Paso Walmart, the community will again gather to remember the victims and reaffirm the unity that emerged in the tragedy’s aftermath.
The seventh anniversary comes after the criminal cases against the gunman reached their conclusion over the past year, bringing a measure of legal finality to one of the deadliest anti-Latino attacks in modern U.S. history. While the court proceedings have ended, annual remembrance events continue to provide opportunities for survivors, victims’ families and the broader community to reflect, heal and honor the lives that were lost.
In addition to this year’s commemorations, residents can visit the city’s permanent August 3 Memorial near Viscount Boulevard and Sunmount Drive. Created by El Paso artist Albert “Tino” Ortega, the granite memorial features seven pillars inscribed with the names of the 23 victims, along with a mandala symbolizing harmony, unity and interconnectedness.
Here’s a look at the remembrance events announced so far. This guide will be updated if additional commemorations are announced.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Unite With Light
Community members are encouraged to illuminate their porches or windows with orange lights each evening as a visible expression of remembrance and solidarity. The communitywide observance continues nightly through Aug. 8.
- When: 8:30 p.m. nightly, Aug. 2-8
- Where: Homes and businesses throughout the El Paso area
- Cost: Free
Community Sound Bath
The United Way of El Paso County’s Center for Resiliency will host a free community sound bath as part of this year’s Day of Remembrance activities. The event is designed to provide space for reflection and healing ahead of the annual memorial ceremony.
- When: 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Ascarate Park Pavilion, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: Free
Day of Remembrance ceremony
El Paso County and the United Way of El Paso County’s Center for Resiliency will host the community’s annual Day of Remembrance ceremony. The event will include instrumental music, a moment of silence, family luminaria lighting, an invocation, prayers, remarks from community leaders and the reading of the victims’ names.
- When: 6:45 p.m.
- Where: Ascarate Park Healing Garden, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: Free
Monday, Aug. 3
Star on the Mountain remembrance
The Star on the Mountain will flash 23 times in honor of the 23 people killed in the Aug. 3, 2019, Walmart mass shooting, continuing an annual tradition of remembrance.
- When: 9 p.m.
- Where: Franklin Mountains
- Cost: Free
Community remembrance ceremony
The Border Network for Human Rights will host a community remembrance ceremony reaffirming El Paso’s commitment to unity and inclusion. Elected officials, faith leaders and community advocates are expected to participate.
- When: 9 a.m.
- Where: Jim Crouch Park formerly Ponder Park, 7500 W.H. Burges Drive
- Cost: Free
Remembrance of August 3 tribute
A tribute installation featuring photographs of the 23 victims of the Walmart tragedy will be displayed outside El Paso City Council chambers, providing residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect and pay their respects.
- When: Aug. 3-10
- Where: City Hall Council Chambers lobby, 300 N. Campbell St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: Self-guided tour during regular City Hall hours.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Community blood drive
The city of El Paso and Vitalant will host a community blood drive. Organizers say the drive reflects the compassion and generosity shown by El Pasoans in the aftermath of the attack while offering another opportunity to give back.
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Where: City Hall Breezeway, 300 N. Campbell St.
- Cost: Free
The post How El Paso will commemorate seventh anniversary of Walmart mass shooting appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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