Over 50,000 people sporting rainbow-colored attire and holding handmade signs that read “Love Wins” and “One Love, Orlando Strong” gathered at Lake Eola on Sunday, June 19th. Every inch of the winding sidewalks of the downtown Orlando park was illuminated with candles and covered with flowers as mourners came to remember the 49 lives that were taken at the Pulse nightclub shooting.
Moments before the vigil was scheduled to begin, a rainbow, a symbol of LGBTQ pride, appeared in the sky and was met with cheers from the crowd.
The 90-minute program was hosted by Channel 9’s Nancy Alvarez and Jorge Estevez. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, and several others shared their messages.
A chant rang out from the mouths of those attending the vigil, “Peace, Love, Pulse”, announcing to the world the new heartbeat of The City Beautiful.
Photo Credit: Aileen Perilla
