This forthcoming Saturday will mark five years since the worst tragedy in the history of Florida. On June 12, 2016, a gunman opened fire on attendees of Pulse nightclub in Orlando. The loss of 49 innocent lives made the horrific occurrence the worst mass shooting in United States history, at the time.
The team, here at Allegiant Experts, joined the rest of the world in being both stunned and heartbroken. Pulse was a known hot spot for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The crime was undoubtedly hate-filled and absolutely heinous. We remain saddened, five years later, at the completely unnecessary loss of life. We’re also troubled by the continued displays of hate that seem to take place every day in our country.
One Orlando Alliance remembers the Pulse victims.
The Allegiant Experts message today is one of love, not hate. We wish to remember the victims for the wonderful individuals they were instead of agonizing over the horrid actions of the perpetrator. One Orlando Alliance shares this sentiment. In remembrance of those we lost, the organization has developed a schedule of remembrance events this weekend. They also wish to encourage everyone acknowledging the victims online to follow a few respectful guidelines.
“Please assume that victim family members, survivors, and/or first responders may be present at any event or viewing any content (including social media posts) created to mark this occasion,” their website tells us, “Out of respect for victims and survivors, please refrain from sharing graphic audio or video clips...The victims of the Pulse tragedy were primarily Latinx and/or Black. Whenever possible, materials related to remembrance events should also be available in Spanish.”
49 Bells ceremonies will take place at noon on Saturday morning.
Starting at 11:45 a.m., the First United Methodist Church of Orlando will be hosting a 49 Bells ceremony in their rotunda/courtyard. The tolling of the bells is part of “Acts of Love and Kindness”. It is a One Orlando Alliance movement that was grown out of the spirit of giving and good deeds witnessed in the aftermath of the tragedy at Pulse nightclub.
“The 49 Bells movement began at the first annual remembrance of the Pulse tragedy, when mothers of some of the Pulse Angels asked for churches to ring their bells at 12 pm on June 12,” reports One Orlando Alliance, “There has been a simple, brief gathering at First UMC Orlando since that first year where the names are read and the bells of the church are rung.”
Attendance for the event is limited. You can register for free HERE.
You may show your respect from anywhere you are.
If you can’t attend the 49 Bells ceremony at First UMC, you are invited to pause for a moment of silence and ring a bell or other instrument 49 times at noon in your neck of the woods.
The Allegiant Experts team would like to echo our sentiments from five years ago. We’re aware that that are truly no adequate words of comfort for the many families and friends who have lost their loved ones in the Pulse tragedy. However, we wish to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to all of those who have been affected by this senseless act. To all of the families and friends of the victims, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.