With the fifth anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub massacre coming up next month, this week the U.S. House passed a proposal to create a federally recognized National Memorial Site without opposition.
On June 12, 2016, a terrorist killed 49 people and wounded 68 people at the Pulse nightclub which was popular with the LGBT community in Central Florida. Barbara Poma, the owner of Pulse, has launched the onePULSE Foundation “to memorialize the tragedy and ensure that Pulse’s legacy of love, acceptance and hope will never be lost” including building a museum slated to open in 2022.
This week, the House passed U.S. Rep. Darren Soto’s, D-Fla., proposal creating the National Memorial Site.
“Nearly five years ago, 49 angels lost their lives and many others, 53, were injured when a deranged gunman opened fire at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. You see those we lost right here next to me – their photos, lives cut short. This horrific act of hate and terror against our LGBTQ and Latino community, and African American community, and Anglo community could have divided us, but we came together stronger than ever before. Orlando swore as a community to never forget those we lost that night. Their stories, their images, their memories, and their spirits must live on in our hearts,” Soto said on the House floor.
Florida Democrats U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist, Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy were among the co-sponsors.
“Five years ago, the shooting at Pulse shook Floridians to our cores,” said Crist, who is running for governor, on Wednesday. “The devastating mass shooting remains the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ+ community in our history. I recently toured the memorial with survivors of the senseless attack and got to hear their stories. For the LGBTQ+ and Latin communities across Florida, I cannot fathom the pain from the scars of that attack. And yet, we will continue to stand with you to heal and to remember. May this memorial honor the 49 angels we lost and be a testimony that love will always overcome hate.”
“Orlando Strong is more than just a slogan. It is a promise to support each other and to never forget those we lost and those who were injured on that tragic night. By establishing Pulse as a National Memorial, we will honor their memories and remind ourselves of that promise,” said Demings who is also expected to run for governor.
“Designating Pulse as a National Memorial Site is about more than building a monument to mourn those we lost. It will be a physical reminder that our work won’t be complete until we ensure the lives of the victims were not lost in vain. It will be a place where we renew our pledge to honor their memories, not just with words, but with resolute action,” said Murphy who is expected to run for the U.S. Senate next year.
The House passed a similar bill from Soto last year but it did not clear the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., introduced the companion measure on Thursday with U.S. Sens. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as co-sponsors.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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