Remembering Aug. 3: Every El Paso Memorial Event in 2026

For many El Pasoans, Monday, Aug. 3 will never be just another date on the calendar. It is one of those days that forever changed our community, and for many of us, it's a day we can remember down to the smallest detail. I know I can. 

I remember exactly what I was doing when news broke that there had been a mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart. I was a new reporter at KVIA at the time, and within minutes every reporter was called into work. I knew it was going to be a long day, but none of us could have imagined the tragedy that was still unfolding.

On Aug. 3, 2019, 23 innocent people were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in a hate-fueled attack that devastated El Paso and sent shockwaves across the world. In the days, weeks and months that followed, our city mourned together, comforted one another and showed the world what the phrase "El Paso Strong" truly means.

Courtesy: Getty Images

As the seventh anniversary approaches, our community will once again come together to honor the 23 lives that were lost, support the survivors and their families, and reflect on the resilience, compassion and unity that continue to define El Paso. Here are the remembrance events taking place throughout the city:

Aug. 3 Remembrance Events

Unite with Light

• Dates: Aug. 2–8
• Time: 8:30 p.m. nightly
• Community members are encouraged to light their porches or windows with orange lights as a symbol of remembrance, hope and solidarity.

Courtesy: Getty Images

Community Remembrance Ceremony

• Date: Monday, Aug. 3
• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: Jim Crouch Park, 7500 W. H. Burges Dr.
• Hosted by the Border Network for Human Rights, the event will feature elected officials, faith leaders and community advocates honoring the victims and reaffirming El Paso's commitment to unity and inclusion.

Remembrance of Aug. 3 Tribute

• Dates: Aug. 3–10
• Location: City Hall Council Chamber Lobby, 300 N. Campbell St.
• A photo tribute featuring the 23 victims will be displayed for the public to visit and reflect.

Courtesy: Getty Images

Mexican Consulate Memorial Ceremony

• Date: Monday, Aug. 3
• Time: 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Mexican Consulate, 910 E. San Antonio Ave.
• The Consulate of Mexico will host a ceremony honoring the victims, many of whom were Mexican nationals. Families, survivors and community members are invited to attend.

Star on the Mountain Tribute

• Date: Monday, Aug. 3
• Time: 8:30 p.m.
• The Star on the Mountain will flash 23 times in memory of each of the victims.

Community Blood Drive

• Date: Tuesday, Aug. 4
• Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Location: City Hall Breezeway, 300 N. Campbell St.
• Hosted by the City of El Paso and Vitalant, the blood drive honors the generosity shown by El Pasoans in the aftermath of Aug. 3 and provides another way to give back.

Visit the Aug. 3 Memorial

• Open year-round
• Location: Near Viscount Boulevard and Sunmount Drive
• Designed by El Paso artist Albert "Tino" Ortega, the permanent memorial features seven granite pillars engraved with the names of the 23 victims, a mandala symbolizing unity and harmony, native landscaping and 23 lights representing each life lost.

United Way Center For Resiliency