06/02/2026
Nearly eight years ago, on July 27, 2018, the permanent 7/20 Memorial was dedicated in Aurora.
What many visitors may not realize is just how much love, care, and community support made this space possible. Before the Reflection Garden became home to the "Ascentiate" sculpture, there was a temporary memorial across from the theater where people gathered to grieve, reflect, and remember. As that space prepared to make way for future development, the vision for a permanent memorial began to take shape.
Thanks to the generosity of countless donors, supporters, survivors, family members, first responders, and community members, that vision became reality. Artist Douwe Blumberg created "Ascentiate," a breathtaking sculpture featuring 83 cranes representing the victims and survivors of July 20, 2012. The 13 translucent cranes at its center honor the lives taken, while each crane contains tokens of remembrance contributed by those whose lives were forever touched by the tragedy.
Today, the Reflection Garden remains a place of peace, hope, strength, and remembrance. A place where visitors can pause, reflect, and find connection in their own way.
As we look back on all that went into creating this sacred space, we remain deeply grateful for the community that carried this vision forward. The memorial stands not only as a tribute to those we lost, but also as a testament to the compassion, resilience, and common unity that helped Aurora heal.
Part of our vision for the future is helping other communities create spaces for remembrance and healing. We hope to pay that kindness forward by sharing resources, guidance, and support with communities navigating tragedy and building places of hope, reflection, and resilience.
