Governor Brian Sandoval attended a sunrise remembrance ceremony in Las Vegas, one year after a gunman opened fire on a country music festival on the Strip. Hundreds attended, pausing for a 58-second moment of silence, and the release of 58 doves in remembrance of the 58 people killed in the massacre.
"Today, we remember the unforgettable," Sandoval, R-Nevada said. "Today, we comfort the inconsolable. Today, we gather in mind and body when we never left each other in spirit and heart. Today, we are reminded of a pain that really never goes away."
More than 20,000 people attended the Route 91 Harvest Festival in 2017. On October 1, Stephen Paddock fired more than 1,000 rounds into the crowd of concert-goers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay. Survivors and family members attended Monday's ceremony, exactly one year after the tragedy. Mynda Smith spoke at the event. Her sister, Nyesa Tonks was one of the 58 people killed.
"Most of the 58 families have joined forces and together, we find strength," Smith said. "We have found ways to heal."
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo also spoke at the ceremony.
"We may not choose the circumstances we find ourselves in but we can choose what we do from here," Lombardo said. "There are two choices, to give up or lift others up. We chose the latter. Today, we are not just Vegas Strong. We are Vegas Stronger."
"You all came here today with courage and conviction in your hearts," Sandoval said. "The courage to once again, bravely share memories and seek peace and strength as a member of the Nevada and Las Vegas family."
Many attended a prayer vigil on front of the Las Vegas City Hall, visited the Healing Garden, or even a memorial along the Strip. 58 crosses are set up near the "Welcome to Las Vegas Sign" each one bearing a victim's name.
"Today, I'm actually numb," Tina Valle, Shooting Survivor said. "It feels like that day."
The victims are also remembered in portraits, on display. Cynthia Garcia is a survivor of the shooting. She says the past year has been difficult but that it went fast.
"It seems like it was just yesterday, to be honest," Garcia said. "No one really understands the way we feel. You know, the terror that we felt that night, the sadness that we have for the 58. It's just overwhelming."
