Memorial service honors more than 130 who died in Texas flood one year ago

Memorial services were held over the weekend to honor the more than 130 people who died in the historic flash flood disaster last July 4 in the Hill Country in Texas. The most perished in Kerr County, 119, where memorial services were held.

Gov. Greg Abbott spoke at a memorial service on July 4, at a Symphony of the Hills Stars, Stripes, and Spirit Remembrance & Resilience Ceremony and concert at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville.

“One year ago, the waters rose and the Hill Country faced it’s darkest Fourth of July. Lives were cut short. Families lost everything. The names we carry on in our hearts today are not just names. They are fathers, mothers, children, and neighbors. We must remember those who were lost, and those who ran towards the danger. They must never be forgotten,” he said.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., Symphony of the Hills President Dr. Tim Summerlin, local officials and hundreds of members of the community attended.

Abbott also gave remarks in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying, “Two hundred and fifty years ago, extraordinary patriots signed their names on a document, a document that changed the course of human history. Their pledged lives, their fortunes, their sacred honor to their audacious idea that liberty is not a gift from government, it is a birthright from Almighty God.

“That idea became a nation and that nation became the greatest force for freedom the world has ever known. We gather today as heirs,” he said, “as Americans in the most powerful story in human history.”

He also spoke about the resiliency of the Kerr County community, citing examples of how residents supported each other with strength, compassion and determination in the aftermath of the flood and ongoing recovery efforts.

Abbott has come to the county several times to comfort survivors. Last August, he handed out $25,000 checks to survivors from money raised by Country Music legend George Strait and Vaqueros del Mar partner Tom Cusick. They’d raised $7 million through a “Strait To The Heart” concert – with one caveat – that the money be given directly to those impacted.

Over the past year, the governor and state legislature have allocated significant state resources through emergency grants and small business assistance. They’ve also closely coordinated with local leaders, federal partners, and nonprofits to support immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding in Kerr County and the Hill Country.

In the immediate aftermath of the flood, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country allocated an initial $16 million to more than 50 local nonprofit organizations working directly with flood survivors. The support helped more than 700 families with emergency assistance, more than 200 small businesses, 17 volunteer fire departments, and two public school districts, including Hunt and Ingram, The Center Square reported. In April, another $40 million of donated funds was distributed to support long-term housing relief for flood victims.

As of June 18, the foundation says it’s awarded $82 million in grants to more than 100 nonprofit partners, supporting more than 1,500 families, more than 600 small businesses and more than 30 first responder groups.

The legislature also implemented camp safety measures statewide and a parent-led initiative has provided more than $230,000 in grants to nonprofit camps to implement safety measures. The groups have also published safety guides for parents and helped implement camp safety reforms in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma and Missouri, The Center Square reported. The U.S. House also unanimously passed the Mystic Alerts Act to mandate emergency preparedness.

President Donald Trump awarded Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Ruskan with the Legion of Merit “for extraordinary heroism” after he saved 165 people last year during dangerous storm conditions. It was the first mission of his career.

Of the 119 who died in Kerry County, 25 campers and two counselors perished at Camp Mystic, the all-girls camp in Hunt, Texas. After a state legislative-led investigation identified numerous liabilities, the camp’s owners filed for bankruptcy last month. They still deny culpability for the girls’ deaths and multiple lawsuits against them are ongoing. Two state-led investigations into the camp’s owners are ongoing, including a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers.