Las Vegas Community Healing Garden
It was 9 days ago that a completely selfish and unexplainable act forever changed Las Vegas and the lives of thousands of people. Last week I shared my thoughts on the tragedy and my love for the city that has been my hometown for 24 years. Today I thought I would share something else that I thought was miraculous.
Last Monday morning, just hours after the attack, landscaper Jay Pleggenkuhle came up with the idea of a healing garden for the community. While he originally conceived it as a temporary garden, after contacting the city of Las Vegas things changed. The city donated a 1/2 acre plot of land Downtown and then the work began.
After securing donations for all of the materials including the 58 small trees surrounding the garden and the huge Oak “Tree of Life” in the center, work began on Wednesday with hundreds of volunteers working hard to get it done. The garden was dedicated and opened just two days later.
The garden contains the Tree of Life surrounded by a concrete heart shaped bench. This will eventually be covered in mosaic tiles. Towards the center of the garden is the Remembrance Wall where the names and faces of the victim’s are displayed. On the back side of the wall is a pathway through the 58 trees that encircle the garden. It is truly a special place and it is so hard to fathom that it went from being a dirt lot to this special place in just a few days.
Las Vegas Healing Garden Photos
Las Vegas Sign Memorial
Another Memorial has popped up in Las Vegas much closer to where the shooting happened. The Las Vegas Sign has long been the symbol of Sin City and it is now serving as a place for healing as well.
During my visit on Sunday there were thousands of people waiting in line to pay their respects. Thousands of flowers, candles and other trinkets line the area where 58 crosses have been temporarily setup with the names and photos of each of the victims. Both the Healing Garden and the Vegas Sign Memorial are truly special and I’m glad I got a chance to visit them.
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Very touching.
Pretty amazing stuff!
Great post Shawn!
Had to ReTweet this one! #PrayForVegas
Thanks for sharing.