ORLANDO, Fla. – The City of Orlando announced Monday that June 12 will be dedicated as "Orlando United Day - A Day of Love and Kindness" to honor the victims of the Pulse shooting.
Forty-nine people were killed and 53 were people were injured when gunman Omar Mateen opened fire on the gay nightclub patrons shortly after 2 a.m. on June 12, 2016.
"This announcement formally dedicates June 12 to the memory and honor of the 49 innocent lives taken at Pulse, reaffirms the community’s commitment to survivors and loved ones, as well as recognizes the global compassion and love displayed in the wake of the tragedy," city officials announced in a news release.
One Orlando Alliance, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs are asking that residents of the City Beautiful and beyond promote acts of love and kindness. The city has also scheduled several events across the city and set up a website, OrlandoUnitedDay.com.
A list of June 12 events is available below.
The Orange County History Center - The Expanded One Orlando Collection and Digital Gallery
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
The expanded One Orlando Collection and Digital Gallery includes images of individual items collected at the Pulse memorial sites in their current state in preservation. Curated pieces from the One Orlando Collection will feature community artwork and international support that was received following the tragedy. Admission to the History Center will be free for this day.
The Orange County Administration Center - Unveiling of the Sea-to-Sea Flag
10:30 a.m.
At the direction and request of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Section 93 of the legendary Sea-to-Sea Rainbow Flag was originally displayed on June 17, 2016, at the Orange County Administration Building, in tribute to the lives taken at Pulse and in support of freedom lovers worldwide. The Sea-to-Sea Flag, which is also known as “The Sacred Cloth,” has become a globally recognized symbol of the LGBTQ movement, symbolizing acceptance, understanding, education, solidarity and inclusion.
Pulse Nightclub - Reflections and Remembrance
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Throughout the day, members of the community are welcome to visit Pulse Nightclub to honor the legacies of the 49 victims, their families and the survivors. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a ceremony including various community speakers, reflective prayers, a reading of the 49 names, a display of 49 wreaths and music by Violectric. The Inspiration Orlando mural, our Angel Force, Hang-a-Heart, Stars of Hope and comfort dogs will be present.
Lake Eola Park Amphitheater - Orlando Love: Remembering Our Angels
7 p.m.
Dyer, Jacobs, Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan and other community leaders and elected officials will hold a one-year remembrance ceremony at Lake Eola Park. The ceremony, Orlando Love: Remembering Our Angels, will include remarks by community leaders, musical performances by Olga Tañón and Sisaundra Lewis along with a memorial reading of the 49 names of those who were taken during the June 12 tragedy.
Pulse Nightclub - Moments of Hope and Healing
10 p.m. – midnight
At 10 p.m., the community is invited to conclude the evening with a series of prayers, live music, inspirational dance and reflection.