Community Comes Together for Tree Dedication to Commemorate the 1 October Tragedy
Touro University Nevada honored the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting with a special on-campus ceremony, including a tree dedication in front of the university.
Flanked by inTUN, the university’s acapella group, physical therapy student, and Las Vegas Native, Zachery Bradley delivered the message.
As a new Student Senate member, Bradley helped carry out the vision to purchase a Japanese pistache tree to honor the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival. The tree’s leaves turn into a deep shade of red in the fall, which makes it stand out from the others.
“We’ll always know exactly which tree it is,” he said. “That tree stands out because that tragedy will forever stand out in our minds.”
After Bradley’s speech, those in attendance observed 58 seconds of silence to honor the 58 people killed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in 2017.
“Our school and our community talk about service, and the day after Oct. 1 was the greatest instance of service I had ever seen displayed by our city,” he said. “As a Touro student who wants to serve this community, it seemed proper that we do something extra for the victims of 1 October.”
Following a performance by inTUN, 58 flowers were placed in front of the new tree, tied together with a bright orange bow, the color associated with the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Although the occasion was somber, it showed the strength of the Touro community that came together in solidarity for those affected by the tragedy.
“I got into the healthcare field because I want to help people, and I want to be part of a group that goes out and makes a difference,” Bradley said. “I think that’s the important thing about being a part of the Touro family: I’m able to make a difference in the community, change lives, and surround myself with people who feel the same way I do.”
