Powerful Night In Orlando As Thousands Gathered To Remember Victims
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ORLANDO (CBSMiami) – It was a powerful night for the city of Orlando.
More than a thousand people gathered downtown for unity and healing following the mass shooting that claimed 49 lives and injured even more.
A church bell rang for each life lost. Every name read aloud.
"It hurts. It hurts bad," said Shaun Boyd.
They needed to send a message.
"It's not a gay thing. It's not a lesbian or straight or transgendered or Muslim or Christian – it's a human thing," said John Albritton.
And they needed to honor those who lost their lives.
Lives like 21-year-old Cory Connell, whose girlfriend wanted to teach him how to salsa dance.
Friends said he died while trying to protect his girlfriend.
And then there's Luis Vielma. He's described as kind and gentle.
Tonight's vigil was a stark contrast to early Monday morning as families poured into a community center. Tears flowed because they knew the news they would receive once inside.
"We met her there and what we heard she was missing but now we just found out that… she's gone," said Angel Torres.
Monday night was declared a night of unity – a night to begin anew.
"It was important to be here because we need to heal," said Boyd. "We need to help. We need to be together."
The message, as candles were lit and emotions poured over, was Orlando strong.
"We are Orlando. Regardless of your region or sexual orientation, we are Orlando. We are one," said Albritton.
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