What's Happening?
El Paso marked the seventh anniversary of the August 3, 2019, mass shooting with a Day of Remembrance at the Ascarate Park Healing Garden. The event, organized by the United Way of El Paso County's Center for Resiliency in partnership with El Paso County,
aimed to honor the 23 victims, support survivors and families, and provide a space for community healing. The day's activities included a community sound bath, instrumental music by El Paso Pro Musica, and a luminaria lighting ceremony. El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego led a moment of silence, and the names of the victims were read by members of the El Paso County Commissioners Court. The United Way's Center for Resiliency has been providing trauma-informed support to those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing the community's resilience.
Why It's Important?
The annual remembrance event underscores the ongoing impact of the 2019 mass shooting on the El Paso community. It highlights the importance of collective healing and the role of community support in overcoming trauma. The event also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength that have characterized El Paso in the years following the attack. By providing a space for reflection and healing, the event helps to foster a sense of unity and support among survivors, families, and the broader community. The continued efforts of organizations like the United Way's Center for Resiliency demonstrate the critical need for long-term support systems for communities affected by such tragedies.
