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“On June 12, 2016, 49 Angels sought the joy, love and acceptance of Pulse nightclub. Instead, they found hatred. And they never came home. They were gay. They were straight. Latin, black, white. Fathers. Mothers. Brothers. Sisters. Daughters. Sons. Taken forever”
On June 12 of each year, onePULSE Foundation holds an Annual Remembrance Ceremony at the site of the Pulse nightclub. The observance brings together the families of those whose lives were tragically taken and provides them a space to remember their loved ones in peace. We also honor all who survived, the brave first responders and our trauma teams who sacrificed so much to save so many.
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony is virtual. The pre-taped program includes the reading of the 49 names by family members, and remarks from City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, onePULSE Foundation Board Chair Earl Crittenden, and onePULSE Foundation Founder and CEO Barbara Poma. Additionally, Orlando Poet Laureate Susan Lilley has written two original poems for survivors and first responders, read by each of the mayors during their comments. Also, Orlando-raised singer, actor and Broadway star Norm Lewis and Latin singer/song writer, record producer and author Yaire perform during the ceremony. Senior Pastor, Reverend Terri Steed Pierce and Associate Pastor, Reverend Stanley Ramos of Joy Metropolitan Community Church lead the invocation.
