The River of Angels Monument

Foundation Unites

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2026

Foundation Unites Announces Plans for River of Angels Monument in Kerrville, Texas – A 36-Foot Beacon of Hope and Remembrance.

KERRVILLE, Texas – Foundation Unites today is unveiling details for the River of Angels Monument, a permanent tribute to the 119 souls lost in the devastating 2025 July 4th flood along the Guadalupe River. The monument will be constructed on land already acquired next to the river at the Francisco Lemos bridge.

Rising exactly 36 feet tall—the height of the flood crest—the monument will serve as a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and human compassion. Built with locally sourced Texas Hill Country limestone and iron accents, the structure is engineered with reinforced foundations and deep pilings to withstand future flooding, embodying the message “No storm can ever wash away” the strength of the Hill Country community.

Key symbolic features include:

•  A central obelisk-like pillar with flowing iron “river” motifs that transition upward into angelic figures, helping hands, and volunteer silhouettes.

•  A sculptural feature of the young boy found in his kayak high in a tree.

•  119 stars or angel silhouettes representing the victims, with special emphasis on the 39 children, and bronze plaques for their names.

•  Sculptural tributes to search and rescue efforts, rescue and cadaver dogs, rescue boats launching from the property the monument is located on along with the diverse volunteers from across Texas, America, Mexico, and the world.

•  A glowing golden iron angel or dove at the crown, illuminated by solar-powered LEDs, representing divine presence, ascending souls, and enduring hope.

•  Prominent chiseled inscription: “HILL COUNTRY STRONG”, along with text detailing the flood, the heroes, survivors, and the redemptive power of faith and community.

The design blends solemn uplifting remembrance, featuring native landscaping, a prayer garden, benches, and subtle night lighting for maximum visibility from the bridge.

“This monument will stand as a lasting testament to the darkness of that night, the light of human kindness, and the unbreakable spirit of our community,” said a spokesperson for Foundation Unites. “It honors the victims, the boy in the kayak, the camp victims, all of them, including the 12 souls recovered on this very site, and all who answered the call with love.”

Foundation Unites is actively seeking community support through volunteerism and donations to bring the River of Angels Monument to life. Final design elements, text, and features will incorporate input from the community. A golden capstone may be added if additional funding allows.

To help make this vision a reality, the organization asking for donations and sponsorship from business and individuals and will be hosting a special event, to be announced the week of this Press Release taking place on August 1, 2026, directly on the monument site. The event will serve as both a fundraiser and a community gathering to celebrate resilience and remembrance.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or participate, visit FoundationUnites.com or contact the organization directly.

Or go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/river-of-angels-monument

About Foundation Unites

Foundation Unites is dedicated to disaster relief, search and rescue, supporting vets, and social programs while fostering community healing, honoring heroes. The River of Angels Monument celebrates hero’s, survivors the face of tragedy, and honors the lost through faith, strength, and humanity.

Media Contact:

Foundation Unites

captkj@icloud.com 

972-743-1702

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PLEASE NOTE: THE MONUMENT CONCEPT SHOWS OVERALL LOOK AND FEEL AND GENERAL DESIGN. MONUMENT ELEMENTS, SCULPTURE, SYMBOLS, ETC WILL BE DEVELOPED THROUGH WORK WITH THE LOCAL HILL COUNTRY COMMUNITY.