On a hot Tuesday morning, Cynthia Vlasek approached the Guadalupe River in Hunt, a small community in Texas Hill Country. She looked at the calm waters with both respect and sorrow. “It feels wrong to get in the river yet,” she whispered. “If you are a local, it’s sacred.”

While people across the country celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation with parades and fireworks, a cloud of grief hangs over this year’s Fourth of July celebrations in the region. The day features an intimate picnic in Hunt, the unveiling of a memorial in Kerrville, and events offering mental health support to those affected by the tragedy.

Ms. Vlasek, a 63-year-old retired nurse and flood survivor, expressed her struggle. “For me it’s hard to celebrate,” she said.

This Saturday marks one year since historic floods devastated Hunt and much of the Hill Country. The area, known for its open spaces and summer camps, became a scene of destruction. As the water receded, the scale of the damage was apparent. In Hunt, much was ruined. Debris was caught in tree branches, and heaps of soggy debris blocked parts of Highway 39, which runs along the Guadalupe.

Affected areas saw homes and businesses damaged or destroyed, with destruction reducing some to mere concrete slabs. The floods took 139 lives, including 119 in Kerr County, where Hunt and Kerrville are located. The victims included 25 campers, two counselors, and the executive director from Camp Mystic.

Rebuilding efforts continue but have been slow over the past year. Many homes, R.V. parks, and resorts along the main road remain unoccupied and under construction. Ms. Vlasek shared how the rising waters nearly reached her property and her ongoing struggle to find normalcy.