KERR COUNTY, Texas — It’s been 12 months, a full year since floodwaters changed the landscape and lives of the people in the Texas Hill Country.

This Fourth of July weekend celebrates the United States’ 250th birthday, while people in Central Texas are also remembering those who passed away a year ago.

Officials in Kerr County reflected on the progress the community has made in recovering from the deadly flooding that killed 119 people. They also recognized the first responders and helpers who showed up a year ago.

“Throughout 250 years of history of this nation, Americans have come together in our darkest moments,” one official said during the dedication of a memorial cross. “The Hill Country was no exception.”

The 20-foot memorial “River of Angels” cross now sits near the Guadalupe River to honor those lost.

Down Highway 39 in Hunt, Texas, there was a private sunrise service for flood victims. Hunt is home to Camp Mystic—where 25 girls, two teenage counselors and the owner and co-director of the camp died in the floodwaters.

Over 400 people attended that service before a Fourth of July picnic.

“Uplifting yet somber. There certainly were some tears,” said one attendee. “People understand we were ground zero, and we are kind of leading the rebuild effort in many ways for the county, but it is nice to know we’re not forgotten out here.”

Gov. Greg Abbott visited Kerr County to stand with the community as they remember the 119 who died last year.

On Friday, the Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden in Kerrville hosted a service to unveil its flood memorial wall with bronze plaques to honor victims of the flood.

“There’s a lot of hurt. There’s a lot of people that lost family members, entire families, lost businesses, lost homes,” said Bobby Woods with The Coming King Foundation.

The service recognized first responders who assisted in rescue and recovery efforts last year and gave flowers to those who lost loved ones in the flooding.

The Coming King Foundation is raising funds to add two more sculptures to the garden that will be dedicated to the lives lost on July 4, 2025, and be a part of the healing process.

Also on Friday was Kerrville’s Fourth on the River at Louise Hays Park — a park that was filled with rushing waters just a year ago.

The park offered a place for people to hold space for those still grieving and healing together as a community.