Vegas Strong

Just got back today from a trade show in Las Vegas.  Left last night and got back this morning.  Yup, one of 'those' flights.  While it was nice to step outside of Apsley and see our supplier's product, the travel was tiring, some people seem to have the fortunate ability to sleep on the plane but not us.  Our body clock said it was time to sleep but it just didn't happen. 

Vegas truly doesn't sleep either.  We rented a car to be able to venture beyond the Strip and crowds were everywhere.  

We drove past Mandalay Bay and past the outdoor concert space still secured by police.  This was not to gawk "where tragedy struck" but because it was en route to our destination.  For those who are familiar with the vintage "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign at the south end of the strip, the median is now filled with flowered wreaths to honor those who were killed a few weeks ago.  Almost all with small American flags, but one stood apart, it had several Canadian flags.  Representative of one of the Canadians killed.  This space is also surrounded by a metal gate for safety because the space is filled with people extending respect to those who died.  

Vegas has responded to this tragedy.  Digital signs everywhere displayed the slogan "Vegas Strong", and in vegas, that's EVERYWHERE, you can't look anywhere without seeing one.  The digital display at Mandalay Bay now reads "we've been there with you during the good times, thank you for being there for us now".  Though displayed on Mandalay Bay's ad-board, like other messages, it is signed from "Vegas".

The side of the road leading to the Strip approaching Mandalay Bay has many large billboards, like what we would see beside the Gardiner expwy.  Six were not advertising a product or service, they were messages from the city to visitors, each placed about 15 yards apart, each with only two words.  Vegas Brave.  Vegas Proud.  Vegas Grateful.  Vegas Resilient. Vegas Strong.