The fundraising campaign for a memorial to commemorate the victims of the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting has begun. The proposed ‘Forever One Memorial’ will stand 58 feet tall and honor the 60 individuals who lost their lives during the tragic event. The shooting, which took place on October 1, 2017, was the deadliest solo mass shooting in US history, with the perpetrator firing upon attendees of the Route 91 Harvest music festival from a hotel room in the Mandalay Bay.
Clark County officials have announced plans to construct the memorial on the Las Vegas Strip, with MGM Resorts International generously donating two acres of land in 2021 for this purpose. The exact cost of the memorial has not been determined yet, but officials are aiming to raise the necessary funds over the next three years. The Vegas Strong Fund, a non-profit organization formed to support victims of the attack, is spearheading the fundraising efforts by seeking donations from the public and grants from state and federal governments.
A county committee has already approved the design of the memorial, which will be situated at the site of the shooting. The centerpiece of the memorial will be the ‘Tower of Light,’ a 58-foot structure symbolizing the 58 individuals who initially lost their lives in the shooting. The pedestrian path around the tower will be shaped like an infinity symbol, and a circular chamber surrounding the structure will feature 22,000 points of light, representing the number of people present at the concert on that fateful day.
The ‘Forever One Las Vegas Memorial’ is set to open on the 10th anniversary of the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival, on October 1, 2027. Fundraising efforts are already underway for the construction of the memorial, with support from MGM Resorts International who donated the land for the project. Plans for the memorial have been well-received, with the design highlighting the significance of the tragic event and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives.
Overall, the development of the memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of the Las Vegas mass shooting and provides a space for remembrance and reflection for both the local community and visitors to the city. It is a testament to the resilience and unity of the community in the face of tragedy, as efforts continue to ensure that the victims are never forgotten.