LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Following the event of 1 October, when 58 people were killed and many others injured, the Las Vegas valley will unite in a walk and run to honor their memory in just a week, while plans for a permanent memorial continue to progress.
The planned 1 October memorial will pay tribute to the victims, support their families and survivors, and recognize the bravery of all the first responders who jumped into action that night. The nonprofit Vegas Strong Fund has been designated to fundraise and build the project.
Fundraising and construction of the “Forever One Memorial” will center around the concept by JCJ Architecture.
“For me, the most beautiful aspect of this is the creative pathway of how you work your way through the memorial, it really will tell a story,” Kelly McMahill, former captain of LVMPD at the time of the shooting and now a Vegas Strong Fund Board Director, said.
The planned memorial will be constructed on two acres donated by MGM Resorts International, situated on the northeast corner of the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival site at Reno Avenue and Giles Street. It will feature a tower of light and 58 candles, one for each victim.
“I think that using light as a way to remember people and inspire people and not dwell so much on the loss, but the fact that light really does represent life, I think that will be one of the best, most beautiful parts of this memorial,” McMahill said.
There will also be a community plaza and wall dedicated to the survivors.
“We have so many – thousands of people – that are walking around today that were there that night that will forever carry this in their hearts and in their minds,” McMahill added.
Vegas Strong Fund received a one million dollar grant to start the project however, they are also looking to the community to offer their financial support and feedback as the project continues to move forward.
“We know that part of the healing process for a lot of people that were either survivors or even just lived in the city and lived through what occurred on Oct. 1, 2017 – part of that healing journey is being able to donate to the permanent memorial and being a part of something that’s bigger than them,” McMahill said.
