Ten years after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, members of the Jacksonville community gathered at Willowbranch Park to remember the 49 lives lost in one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history, and an attack on the LGBTQ+ community.
A candlelight vigil brought people together to honor victims, support survivors and reflect on the 2016 tragedy that also left 58 others wounded.
Names were read aloud one by one during the ceremony, echoing through the park as attendees stood in reflection.
“To the 49 souls whose love remains on this side and still dances fondly upon us. We speak their names; we speak their names,” Councilmember Rahman Johnson said.
Daniel Hutton, president of the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida, said the impact of the tragedy continues to be felt a decade later.
“Our country was never the same afterwards,” Hutton said.
The attack occurred when a gunman opened fire inside the LGBTQ+ Orlando nightclub,
At Friday’s vigil, candles were lit as community members and leaders shared messages of remembrance, unity and resilience.
“That day affected many of us and still does,” said James Eddy, an organizer with the AIDS Memorial Project.
“Each name is not just a name, it’s a family,” Eddy said, adding that many attendees did not personally know the victims but gathered to ensure they are never forgotten.
Community advocate Katie Hathaway said the vigil carried a message of hope for future generations.
“As a mom, I want every child to grow up knowing love is stronger than hate,” Hathaway said.
Jacksonville City Councilmember Rahman Johnson also attended the vigil.
“Hate may have taken lives, but hate cannot take love. It took bodies, but it cannot take memories,” he said.
As candles were held high, attendees stood together in a shared moment of silence, honoring the victims and survivors and reflecting on the lasting impact of the tragedy.
A park bench in Willowbranch Park honors Darryl “DJ” Roman Burt II, a Pulse victim who called Jacksonville home. Organizers say a plaque will soon be added beside the bench to create a permanent place of remembrance.