Las Vegas officials have pledged to erect a permanent memorial dedicated to the victims and survivors of the October 1, 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival by its 10th anniversary. According to a Fox5 Vegas report, Jan Jones-Blackhurst, Chair of the Vegas Strong Fund, announced intentions to commence construction within the next six months at the site of the tragic event that left 60 people dead and hundreds injured.
The proposed "Forever One" memorial, as revealed in details shared by KTNV, is expected to feature an infinity symbol design, symbolizing infinite love and memory for the victims. This design choice, made by JCJ Architecture and supported by community input, aims to seamlessly merge commemoration with a contemplative space. The design will also include 58 beams that will each bear the name and a photograph of those who lost their lives, and a screening wall intended to shield sightlines to the nearby Mandalay Bay hotel.
Survivors and first responders are part of the team actualizing this project, with Derek Sola of JCJ Architecture expressing the importance of the design providing a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling noise of Las Vegas. Brian Rogers, a paramedic who responded to the shooting, told KTNV, "I guess it’s probably down to a week now, a week doesn’t go by that I don’t think of that night" Survivor Karessa Royce pointedly noted, "We can’t change what has happened, but we can ensure it is never forgotten, and that’s what this memorial represents."
The Vegas Strong Fund has also committed to raising the funds necessary to complete this multi-million-dollar endeavor. As 8 News Now reported, Clark County has already contributed $1 million towards the project. Fundraising efforts by the community are expected to play a crucial role in reaching the remaining budget for the memorial's construction. The memorial site, at Reno Avenue and Giles Street, was donated by MGM Resorts and is scheduled to break ground within six months, to be completely erected by October 1, 2027, on the anniversary of the tragedy.
