58 Doves are released during a sunrise rememberance ceremony for the victims of the October 1 shooting massacre at the Clark County Government Center, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.
Monday, Oct. 1, 2018 | 3:18 p.m.
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As sunlight first broke through scattered clouds this morning, it flickered off flapping wings of 58 white doves released in a solemn ceremony commemorating the lives lost on the Strip a year ago.
Airborne, several of the birds — each with a name of one of the Oct. 1 victims attached to their legs — flew together in formations, circling above a crowd of several hundred at the remembrance event at Clark County’s central valley headquarters.
In speeches, Gov. Brian Sandoval, Sheriff Joe Lombardo and Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, spoke about resiliency, gratitude and the “Vegas strong” sense of community that resulted from the tragedy.
But that message was accentuated in tearful remarks by Mynda Smith, sister of Neysa Tonks, a local killed in the shooting. “Today I stand here with so much pride for our city and our country,” she said, her voice strained.
Loved ones of those killed were “jolted into darkness” their lives “horrifically turned upside down,” she added, noting that the fatal victims came from across the country, including 33 from California.
“The weeks and months that followed left us finding it difficult to breathe and wondering how we would ever move forward,” Smith said. “(But) we found love that came from so many who were there to help us.”
Attendees began to make their way to the government center’s amphitheater where the ceremony took place while it was still dark out. Albeit some chatter, the atmosphere was somber.
“This evil and darkness cannot take over us — our families or our lives. Our love must motivate us to move forward,” Smith said. We have a right to be angry and sad. Embrace those emotions, but don’t let them control you.”
Mourners — some wearing “Vegas Strong” and “Route 91 Survivor” shirts — hugged and shook hands. Some wiped away tears as speeches went on and a choir performed renditions of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Snares crackled, bass drums thumped and bag pipes droned somber notes as a multi-agency Honor Guard marched. The sky’s dark blue hue morphed into daytime. During 58 seconds of silence, only sniffles could be heard.
“I refuse to let it take one more thing from me,” said Smith, breaking down. “It took my nephews’ mom, my parents’ daughter, my sister and so many more are hurt by her loss.”
An introduction of security guards Jesus Campos and Stephen Shuck was met by a standing ovation. They were the first to respond to the 32nd floor when the onslaught began a year ago.
Where do we begin? What do we say?” Sandoval said. “Today we remember the unforgettable; today we comfort the inconsolable; today we gather in mind and body, but we never left each other in spirit or heart. Today, we’re reminded of pain that never really goes away.”
Lombardo said the ceremony would help gather around and “support one another.” Later, he told reporters that as a head of an agency, he sees the shooting in law enforcement terms, and that he still “can’t come to terms” with it. “But, I’m sure it’s going to hit me hard here before you know it.”
Although it’s time to move on, “it’s important apathy doesn’t creep into our lives,” he said.
Attendees then moved indoors where an art exhibit displayed 58 portraits and white crosses. Mourners snapped photos of their loved ones.
A long day awaited Smith and her family, who were attending a pair of events at the Healing Garden.
She said she found the strength in delivering her speech, which came together in about a month, thinking about her loved one.
“My sister, she was a badass. I just try to think of her, and think that you know what she wouldn’t had cried, she wouldn’t had been weak,” Smith said.
