Scott Powers
The anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre is being declared as “Orlando United Day – A Day of Love and Kindness and will feature several memorial and commemorative events around Orlando and a call for all to join in acts of love and kindness.
The city and Orange County jointly announced Monday that the first anniversary of the tragic mass shooting – in which madman Omar Mateen killed 49 and wounded 53 – will feature at least four public events, including two held at Pulse, which remains boarded up as a shrine on south Orange Avenue.
In partnership with the One Orlando Alliance, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs are encouraging residents and businesses both locally and around the world to join with others in acts of love and kindness to continue the unity that followed the tragedy, according to a news release issued Monday by Dyer’s and Jacobs’ offices.
The One Orlando Alliance has launched a website, Orlando United Day, with a list of various potential acts of love and kindness for the local community.
The official website will provide information and updates also includes a link to the One Orlando Alliance page, and is available in both English and Spanish.
Currently it features a video in which Dyer and Jacobs lay out their feelings and the need for Orlando United Day.
“Our community will never forget the tragedy of pulse, or the grief of those who last loved ones, from heartbroken family and friends, to survivors putting shattered lives back together,” Dyer said. “Our community stands with you.”
“As we prepare for the anniversary of Pulse, the world is working to honor and remember the lives we lost,” Jacobs said. “Through a day of love and kindness, dedicated to the legacy of those who perished, we will continue to cherish their memories.”
Among events already planned for June 12:
– The Orange County History Center, archive for the outpouring of memorials following the Pulse massacre, will host an expanded One Orlando Collection and Digital Gallery from 10 a.m. to y p.m.
– The Orange County Administration Center will re-display a portion of the Sea-to-Sea Rainbow Flag, which was originally went up on the building on June 17.
– The Pulse Nightclub will host an event of reflections and remembrance from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
– The Lake Eola Park Amphitheater will host a one-year remembrance ceremony at 7 p.m.
– Pulse will host moments of hope and healing from 10 p.m. to midnight.
