For many El Pasoans, Monday, Aug. 3 will never be just another date on the calendar. It is one of those days that forever changed our community, and for many of us, it’s a day we can remember down to the smallest detail. I know I can.
I remember exactly what I was doing when news broke that there had been a mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart. I was a new reporter at KVIA at the time, and within minutes every reporter was called into work. I knew it was going to be a long day, but none of us could have imagined the tragedy that was still unfolding.
On Aug. 3, 2019, 23 innocent people were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in a hate-fueled attack that devastated El Paso and sent shockwaves across the world. In the days, weeks and months that followed, our city mourned together, comforted one another and showed the world what the phrase “El Paso Strong” truly means.
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As the seventh anniversary approaches, our community will once again come together to honor the 23 lives that were lost, support the survivors and their families, and reflect on the resilience, compassion and unity that continue to define El Paso. Here are the remembrance events taking place throughout the city:
Aug. 3 Remembrance Events
Unite with Light
Dates: Aug. 2–8Time: 8:30 p.m. nightlyCommunity members are encouraged to light their porches or windows with orange lights as a symbol of remembrance, hope and solidarity.
Seventh Annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony
Date: Sunday, Aug. 2Time: 6:45 p.m.Location: Ascarate Park Healing Garden, 6900 Delta Dr.The ceremony will include remarks from El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, prayers from Bishop Mark Seitz and Pastor Michael Grady, and the reading of the names of the 23 victims by the El Paso County Commissioners Court. 
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Community Remembrance Ceremony
Date: Monday, Aug. 3Time: 9 a.m.Location: Jim Crouch Park, 7500 W. H. Burges Dr.Hosted by the Border Network for Human Rights, the event will feature elected officials, faith leaders and community advocates honoring the victims and reaffirming El Paso’s commitment to unity and inclusion.
Remembrance of Aug. 3 Tribute
Dates: Aug. 3–10Location: City Hall Council Chamber Lobby, 300 N. Campbell St.A photo tribute featuring the 23 victims will be displayed for the public to visit and reflect.
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Mexican Consulate Memorial Ceremony
Date: Monday, Aug. 3Time: 8:30 a.m.Location: Mexican Consulate, 910 E. San Antonio Ave.The Consulate of Mexico will host a ceremony honoring the victims, many of whom were Mexican nationals. Families, survivors and community members are invited to attend.
Star on the Mountain Tribute
Date: Monday, Aug. 3Time: 8:30 p.m.The Star on the Mountain will flash 23 times in memory of each of the victims.
Community Blood Drive
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Location: City Hall Breezeway, 300 N. Campbell St.Hosted by the City of El Paso and Vitalant, the blood drive honors the generosity shown by El Pasoans in the aftermath of Aug. 3 and provides another way to give back.
Visit the Aug. 3 Memorial
Open year-roundLocation: Near Viscount Boulevard and Sunmount DriveDesigned by El Paso artist Albert “Tino” Ortega, the permanent memorial features seven granite pillars engraved with the names of the 23 victims, a mandala symbolizing unity and harmony, native landscaping and 23 lights representing each life lost.PHOTOS: El Paso Remembers the 23 Lives Lost on Aug. 3
Seven Years Later, Aug. 3 Still Lives in Every El Pasoan
Gallery Credit: Getty Images / Iris Lopez
6 Years Later: How El Paso, TX Honors August 3rd Shooting Victims
Locals can honor and remember the victims of the August 3rd shooting at various events across El Paso.
Gallery Credit: City of El Paso, Texas via Facebook