Emotions still raw two years after Pulse shooting
ORLANDO (FOX 13) - It was a tribute filled with music, prayer, and tears in Orlando for the victims of the attack at the Pulse nightclub.
The shooting that killed 49 happened two years ago today.
Through flowers, messages, and pictures, they were remembered by those who loved them.
"It feels like I am still making phone calls, expecting a phone call back, waiting in that room for his name to be called like he was in the hospital, and not one of the 49," said Erika Perez, whose friend Leroy Fernandez was killed in the attack.
Some of their grief has turned to action.
Melissa King lost her friend, Amanda Alvear, of Polk County, and now stands on the street corner twice a month, sometimes near Pulse, offering free hugs.
"We keep it strictly positive," she said. "We are making a positive change to what can be a really negative world."
Alvear was about to move to Tampa to finish nursing school. Her final moments were caught on Snapchat, as the shooting started.
For Melissa, being at the place where her friend died both hurts and helps.
"We come here and we share love and kindness, so it helps," said King.
The ceremony lasted an hour, which included a tribute to first responders.
Also, Orlando's gay community was hailed as an example to the rest of America, praised for opening their hearts during their darkest hour.
"We still suffer. Some weeks we are OK," said Perez. "Next week we have a moment where we just break down."
The mayor of Orlando spoke at the ceremony and he encouraged everyone to get involved in their community in any way they can.