EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The City of El Paso is inviting the community to participate in a week of remembrance events as the Borderland marks seven years since the Aug. 3, 2019 Walmart mass shooting that claimed the lives of 23 people.<\/p>\n
City officials said the observances are intended to honor the victims while providing opportunities for remembrance, reflection and healing for survivors, victims’ families, first responders, witnesses and the community.<\/p>\n
August 3 left an indelible impact on El Paso, but it also revealed the compassion and resilience of our community,” Mayor Renard U. Johnson said in a statement. “As we honor the 23 lives we lost, I encourage El Pasoans to continue showing love for one another through simple acts of kindness.<\/p>\n
Johnson encouraged residents to honor the victims by donating blood, volunteering with local nonprofits, helping neighbors or reaching out to those in need.<\/p>\n
The city’s remembrance activities begin with “Unite with Light,” running from Aug. 2 through Aug. 8. Community members are encouraged to place orange lights on their porches or in windows each evening at 8:30 p.m. as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Aug. 3, the Border Network for Human Rights will host a Community Remembrance Ceremony at 9 a.m. at Jim Crouch Park, located at 7500 W.H. Burges Drive. The event will include elected officials, faith leaders and community advocates honoring the victims and reaffirming El Paso’s commitment to unity and inclusion.<\/p>\n
Also beginning Aug. 3, the city will display a “Remembrance of August 3” tribute in the City Hall Council Chamber Lobby at 300 N. Campbell St.<\/p>\n
The installation, available through Aug. 10, features photographs of the 23 victims and offers visitors a place to reflect and pay their respects.<\/p>\n
Later that evening, at 8:30 p.m., the Star on the Mountain will flash 23 times, with each flash representing one of the victims lost in the attack.<\/p>\n
The city’s remembrance events continue on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with a community blood drive hosted by the City of El Paso and Vitalant from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Hall Breezeway. <\/p>\n
Officials said the blood drive honors the generosity shown by El Pasoans following the 2019 tragedy and provides another opportunity for residents to give back.<\/p>\n
Residents can also visit the city’s permanent August 3 Memorial, located near Viscount Boulevard and Sunmount Drive, throughout the year. Created by El Paso artist Albert “Tino” Ortega, the granite memorial features seven pillars arranged in a circle with the names of the 23 victims inscribed on them. The memorial also includes a mandala symbolizing harmony, unity and interconnectedness, surrounded by native landscaping and 23 lights representing each life lost.<\/p>\n
RELATED: El Paso to mark seventh anniversary of Aug. 3 tragedy with Day of Remembrance ceremony<\/a><\/p>\n