MIAMI (WSVN) - South Florida residents paid their respects to the victims of the Pulse nightclub massacre across South Florida at several events, Monday, in observance of the one-year anniversary of the massacre that claimed 49 lives at the Orlando gay club.
Several South Florida LGBTQ organizations gathered in front of the American Airlines Arena, Monday evening, to pray, share inspirational messages and light candles in memory of the victims.
Edgar Robles said he knew a lot of people who were at Pulse that horrific night. He lost his best friend, Javier Jorge-Reyes. “It’s the worst feeling in the world to me that — I can’t,” he said Edgar Robles, friends were killed. “I know that they’re in a better place, all of them. I knew a lot of them.”
“We feel the same, we love the same. That’s what we need to come together for,” said event attendee Jonathan Marotto.
Earlier on Monday, local churches in Coconut Grove, like St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, rang bells for the victims, their families and friends as part of the 49 Bells Movement. The bells have been rung 49 times to represent the 49 lives that were lost in the shooting.
The bell ringing is a show of solidarity, and plenty of other people in the community are getting involved in their own way.
Barry University hosted a nondenominational remembrance ceremony at its Miami Shores campus.
What happened inside the nightclub inspired courage for some. “It was a very powerful moment because it allowed us to continue to express our stand for human rights and social justice,” said Phyllis Scott, the dean of Barry University’s School of Social Work. “It’s not only remembering those who lost their lives, but it’s standing up against hate, and it’s saying that we as a people must have courage to stand up for what is right.”
Cox Media Group Miami and OneBlood donation center organized a blood drive in Hollywood to honor the victims and give the public the opportunity to help maintain a sufficient blood supply.
“We all need to come together and unite and just show that terror cannot overcome us, ’cause fear is scary, but if we’re all here for the same cause, then love will trump all,” said blood donor Bryan Carstensen.
In addition to the large group, police were also on hand at the American Airlines Arena and showed their support while they offered protection.
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