By Tom Burns for YourTango
We will never forget.
It was an evening that united the world in horror.
One year ago, on June 12, 2016, a gunman opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing 49 people and seriously wounding over 60 more.
It was an act of terrorism, targeted directly at Orlando’s LGBTQ community. Sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers were killed, but hope wasn’t lost.
The aftermath of the tragedy has been characterized by moving stories of bravery and grace. And Orlando, as a city, has organized to support those most affected by the violent hate crime, creating the #OrlandoStrong movement to proudly show that terrorism can never, ever defeat the enduring power of love.
One year later, the city of Orlando has declared June 12 “Orlando United Day — A Day of Love and Kindness.”
To quote Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, “Our community will never forget the tragedy of Pulse or the grief of those who lost loved ones. From heartbroken family and friends to survivors putting shattered lives back together, our entire community stands with you.”
But Orlando United Day isn’t the only way that people are commemorating the tragic legacy of the Pulse shooting.
A tragedy that senseless, that painful, is almost impossible to comprehend, so individuals are stepping forward and paying tribute to the Pulse victims in whatever ways they can.
It might be a message, a mural, an art installation, a meme, a tweet, a song — people all over the world are acknowledging the impact of the Pulse attack in so many different unique and heartfelt ways.
To give you an idea of how people are honoring the Pulse tragedy, here are 14 tributes to the victims and the area’s LGBTQ community that acknowledge that Orlando will remain strong FOREVER.
1. We Will Not Let Hate Win.
The onePulse Foundation strives to create a “sanctuary of hope” in Orlando in the memory of the Pulse victims. Here is their stirring video tribute “We Will Not Let Hate Win.”
2. We Send Our Love.
I will never forget the lives that were lost at #Pulse on June 12, 2016. @citybeautiful, @orlandomayor– we send our love. #OrlandoStrong?️? pic.twitter.com/0YjraDxFeK
— Bob Buckhorn (@BobBuckhorn) June 9, 2017
This moving tribute comes from the mayor and residents of Tampa, Florida.
3. A monument to their bravery.
The Human Rights Campaign unveiled this massive art installation in Orlando, paying tribute to the victims.
4. Never forget those who lost their lives.
The onePulse Foundation is posting photo memes, remembering every Pulse victim and reminding us that hate will not win.
5. A moving tribute.
#Pulse Tribute Car, #Sarasota couple adds photos each ❤️ w/49 victim's names #wtsp Story @ 6 #OrlandoStrong pic.twitter.com/tEwPMajzz7
— Isabel Mascarenas (@IMascarenas) June 6, 2017
One couple in Sarasota, Florida decided to turn their car into a permanent monument to the Pulse victims.
6. Etched on their skin.
One man who lost friends in the Pulse attack decided to have his tribute inked onto his arm for all time.
7. A mural of hope.
Yuriy Karabash, a Miami artist, is painting one section of a large mural to be unveiled to commemorate the Pulse tragedy. The mural will be displayed at the University of Central Florida. (Photo credit: Jessica Koscielniak — McClatchy.)
8. White Roses.
At @UCF remembrance ceremony, people put 49 white roses in vases to represent 49 #Pulse massacre victims pic.twitter.com/dnvPgaIU4w
— Monivette Cordeiro (@monivettec) June 9, 2017
These 49 white roses represent all that were lost at the Pulse shooting.
9. You Will Be Found.
This BEAUTIFUL musical tribute uses the song “You Will Be Found” from the hit Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen.
10. The importance of PRIDE
#PrideMonth2017 let us stand united against acts of violence & discrimination towards members of the #LGBTQ community. #WeWillNotLetHateWin pic.twitter.com/fGBmeRz3wI
— onePULSE Foundation (@onePULSEorg) June 1, 2017
#PrideMonth2017 has special significance in the heartbreaking year following the Pulse attack.
11. The Light.
Shawn Balentine, Hollywood’s first “out” stuntman, created this moving tribute video to the Pulse victims, bringing together 17 groups of professional stunt performers and athletes in 22 different countries.
12. Tribute Through Art
Artist Michael Pilato, the partner of Yuriy Karabash, posed with Florida Representative Carlos Smith in front of one section of the Pulse tribute mural at the University of Central Florida. (Photo credit: Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel.)
13. Honoring those who put themselves in harm’s way.
Remember this kevlar helmet, worn by Officer Napolitano during the #Pulse tragedy? It now sits atop a Pulse memorial & tribute at OPD HQ. pic.twitter.com/gjUhD8HWMo
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 8, 2017
The Orlando Police are honoring those who helped bring the Pulse tragedy to an end in their own way.
14. SWERLK.
The bands MNDR and Scissor Sisters created the song “SWERLK” in support of Contigo Fund, which was established after the 2016 Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida.
This article was originally published on YourTango.
Here’s last year’s
Visual Response to the Orlando Shooting
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