Dear 1 October Memorial Committee,

Like everyone else, I was horrified when news of the cowardly attack on the Route 91 Festival reverberated around the world. How could someone do such a terrible thing?

However, as I read about what happened and watched footage from that terrible night, I was inspired by people helping each other flee, law enforcement rushing to the scene, strangers taking wounded to hospitals, medical personnel working tirelessly to treat the wounded, staff at the Mandalay Bay providing information to law enforcement, and law enforcement’s breach and entrance into the shooter’s room. There is evil in this world, but I believe there is far more love and good. I am submitting a design because I want to provide a place to show people that good is stronger than evil.

In designing a memorial to commemorate the 2017 attack and honor victims and survivors, I chose the triskelion, an ancient Celtic symbol that consists of three interlocked spirals. The triskelion represents the three elements of fire, earth, and water, which in-turn symbolize the
worlds of the celestial, physical, and spiritual. However, the triskelion has evolved over time to also mean life-death-rebirth, past-present-future, and creation-protection-destruction. Because the triskelion is such a versatile symbol, visitors to the Route 91 Festival Memorial can interpret the memorial in ways that are best for them.

The attached submission shows the interlocking design elements I feel would make a beautiful, powerful, and somber memorial. The use of local rock, stone, and plants will give the memorial a decidedly southern Nevada look and feel. I have scoured the internet and can’t find another instance where the triskelion is used in such a way, so this memorial would be one-of-a-kind as befitting Las Vegas’ history and spirit.

Survivors and visitors deserve a place where they can reflect on what happened, find hope in the response, and solace that those affected will not be forgotten. I hope my memorial can do this for them.

Thank you for providing people a chance to contribute designs to such an important endeavor.

Scott Kelley