Ceremony at cross planned July 4 at Flat Rock Park

Kerr County leaders invite the public to join them for a 10 a.m. ceremony on July 4 at the newly installed, white memorial cross in the county’s Flat Rock Park, 3840 E. Riverside Dr., in Kerrville.  “We feel the morning of July 4 will be the most appropriate time for us to pause and reflect – exactly one year after the July 4, 2025, Guadalupe River flooding disaster,” said Kerr County Commissioner (Pct. 2) Rich Paces, who organized the event.

“Through remarks, a moment of silence, heartfelt music and prayer, we will remember those we lost during the flood, as well as honor those who worked, supported and continue to walk side-by-side with our community during our long-term recovery,” Paces said.  “It is hoped that this memorial will provide comfort to those who are grieving.”

The 20-foot steel cross stands in Flat Rock Park as a memorial to what Kerr County has endured and as a beacon of the community’s resilience and faith in moving forward beyond the tragedy.  Guests will gather for a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting around the cross, which was fabricated and donated by Michael Collins, of Mineral Wells, with Brady’s Love Cross Ministry and Operation ResQ and Rebuild.  Collins is expected to be in attendance at the ceremony.

The cross, now a permanent fixture, is installed near the new replacement children’s playground donated by WoodmenLife and dedicated on March 16.  On the face of the cross is inscribed “River of Angels” in a patriotic red, white and blue, while lower it reads: “In memory of all loved ones lost on July 4, 2025.”  On the reverse side is a slot where visitors are invited to send their “Letters to Heaven.”

The flash flood disaster on July 4, 2025, ultimately claimed 139 lives across Texas, 119 of them in Kerr County.  Two of those flood victims in Kerr County have never been recovered: Cecilia “Cile” Steward, 8, and Jeffrey Ramsey, 63.