New direction for Pulse tribute
Friday’s remembrance goes virtual to address social distancing.
In a time of social distancing, Friday’s remembrance of the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre will be different from years past, but church bells will still sound, rainbow flags will still wave, and the 49 individuals who lost their lives will not be forgotten.
“The current public health crisis won’t prevent us from spreading the message of love and hope and unity,” said Jennifer Foster, executive director of One Orlando Alliance, a coalition formed in the aftermath of the June 12 mass shooting at the club four years ago. “The Pulse tragedy was the darkest day in Orlando’s history, yet hate did not win. … Orlando’s strength is our spirit of community and unwavering resilience — and it’s those qualities that we must call upon once again.”
The onePULSE Foundation, which has organized a remembrance ceremony each year and is raising money for a permanent memorial and museum, will close the interim memorial site on South Orange Avenue on Friday to allow family members of the 49 victims, survivors and first responders to pay tribute privately.
“We’ve heard from the families, some of whom are traveling to be