KERRVILLE — Gov. Greg Abbott honored the 119 Kerr County residents who lost their lives in the July 4, 2025, floods during a remembrance and resilience ceremony Friday marking the first anniversary of the disaster.
Speaking at the Symphony of the Hills Stars, Stripes, and Spirit Remembrance & Resilience Ceremony at the Cailloux Theater, Abbott personally read the name of each Kerr County victim while paying tribute to the families, first responders and volunteers who responded to the tragedy.
'One year ago, the waters rose and the Hill Country faced its darkest Fourth of July,' Abbott said. '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.'
Abbott was joined by First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr., Symphony of the Hills President Dr. Tim Summerlin, State Rep. Wes Virdell, local officials, families of the victims and members of the Kerrville community.
During his remarks, Abbott praised the resilience of the Kerr County community, saying residents supported one another with strength, compassion and determination throughout the past year of recovery.
The governor also reflected on the approaching 250th anniversary of American independence, noting that the nation's founding principles continue to inspire perseverance during times of hardship.
'Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of extraordinary patriots signed their names to a document that changed the course of human history,' Abbott said. 'Pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the foundational truth that liberty is not a gift from government, but a birthright from Almighty God.'
Abbott also highlighted the state's recovery efforts over the past year, saying Texas has worked closely with local officials, federal partners and nonprofit organizations to provide emergency grants, small business assistance and direct aid to impacted families and communities.
Congressman Chip Roy, who was not part of the Kerrville remembrance ceremony, also marked the anniversary by issuing a written statement and recognizing the victims during remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives earlier in the week.
'One year ago, the people of the Texas Hill Country endured unimaginable loss as catastrophic flooding swept through our communities before dawn on Independence Day,' Roy said. 'We remember the children, parents, neighbors, and friends whose lives were taken far too soon, and we continue to pray for every family carrying that loss today.'
Roy also praised the first responders, volunteers, churches, charities and neighbors who assisted during the disaster.
'In the face of overwhelming tragedy, we also witnessed the very best of Texas and America,' Roy said. 'First responders, volunteers, churches, charities, and neighbors answered the call with extraordinary courage and compassion. Their selfless service reminded us that the strength of our communities comes from people helping people.'
'While the scars of the flood remain, so does the resilience of the Hill Country,' Roy added. 'As we honor those we lost, may we continue to pray for every affected family and ask God to bless the Texas Hill Country with strength, healing, and peace.'
The July 4, 2025, flooding claimed more than 100 lives across Kerr and Kendall counties, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.
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