Orange County

Five-year mark of Pulse attack spurs people to live their lives in honor of those lost

ORLANDO, Fla. — With the five-year mark of the Pulse nightclub terror attack upon us, many people said they are trying to live their lives in honor of those they lost.

They’re doing that through acts of kindness, through volunteering and by standing up for what’s right.

And they hope those annual ceremonies to remember their loved ones will inspire others to do the same.

LIVE UPDATES: Bells ring in honor of 49 people who lost their lives at Pulse

It’s hard for everyone who comes to Pulse to remember the 49 people who showed up to dance and have fun with their lives, and gone on to live long lives, but never made it out of the building.

“We usually come every year,” said Alanis Caballero. “We have a lot of family members and friends that were affected. And it’s certainly emotional.”

Some say the pain gets easier to deal with, but it will never be easy.

READ: Parents of Pulse shooting victim matching donations for counseling services cut from state budget

When family members and friends hear the names of their angels at the remembrance ceremony Saturday, a flood of emotions will likely come back.

But people told Channel 9 they plan to do their best to focus on the good, and the positive lives people lived before they were taken, and the light they still shed in all of our hearts.

“A lot of people say this is the fifth anniversary, and I try not to look at it that way. I try to think of it as five years remembering my friend,” said Adam Strand, who was friends with victim Jerry Wright.

READ: Photographer shares dozens of new images taken at Pulse, aftermath

Channel 9 will be streaming the remembrance ceremony. There is a chance of a brief shower.

>>>CLICK HERE TO WATCH<<<


Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.