July 4 ceremony at memorial cross planned in Kerr County

Kerr County leaders invite the public and any visitors in the area 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 all those who have worked, supported and continue to walk side-by-side with our community during our long-term recovery,” he said. “It is hoped that this memorial will provide comfort to those who are grieving.”

The 20-foot, steel cross will be the center of a memorial remembrance and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The public is invited to join in as locals remember those souls lost during the flood and pay tribute to those who have helped in our community's recovery. - Courtesy Photo

The 20-foot steel cross stands in Flat Rock Park as a memorial to what Kerr County has endured and as a beacon of this 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.” Another highlight of the memorial is a cut-out heart shape. On the reverse side is a slot where visitors are invited to send their “Letters to Heaven.”

Making the installation possible were the talents of Bad Company Excavation and Land Management, KPUB (Kerrville Public Utility Board), J3 Construction, ProRental, Comfort and Bad Company Excavation and Land Management.

Following the ceremony, food will be provided by JWR Welding and Construction, LLC, HMRC (Hunter Martin Ranch Construction) and Bad Company Excavation and Land Management.

The cross in Kerr County’s park is the 10th made by Collins.

One of those cross memorials was installed last August on the grounds of the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department, 548 Kelly Street in Center Point, with the support of Center Point Volunteer Fire Department and its Chief Charles Holt.

A ceremony is planned at the Center Point cross on the same day, starting at 8 a.m.

Collins created Brady’s Love Cross Ministry in memory of his son, Brady, and a stepson, Joseph, both who died in separate incidents in 2019.

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