Tomorrow marks nine years since the Pulse massacre—nine years since 49 people were killed in what was, at the time, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. For many, it’s a grim anniversary that lives in headlines and social media posts. But for some, it’s not a memory. It’s still their every day.
In the days after the shooting, I was asked to speak at a vigil held in the front yard of Luis Vielma’s family. Luis was one of the 49. You might remember him—he worked at Universal, at the Harry Potter ride. No one can forget that photo of him in his Hogwarts uniform with that smirk. He was 22 years old. He was kind. And he was so loved.
I had been a pastor for many years by then. I had sat with grieving parents. I had presided over funerals. But this was different. There was a heaviness in that yard that night—a confusion and ache so deep, it felt like the world had cracked open and no one knew how to put it back together.
I think about Luis often, especially every June. And when I do, I think about the 48 others. I think about the people who are still waking up every morning in a new reality they never asked for—a “new normal” without their child, their partner, their cousin, their best friend.
Nine years feels like a long time for the rest of us. But for those closest to the grief, time doesn’t work the same way. It’s not an anniversary—it’s a scar. It’s a seat that’s still empty. A birthday they still want to buy a cake for. A voicemail they will never delete.
And today, I just want to say: we haven’t forgotten you. We haven’t forgotten them.
Let’s remember. Let’s light a candle. Say a name. Tell a story. Give space for the grief that still lingers, quietly, long after the headlines have moved on.
Because remembrance is a kind of love, too.
If you’d like to join others in remembering, this year’s Pulse memorial ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 5) at First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E. Jackson Street downtown. The event is open to the community and will include the reading of the names of the 49 angels, the tolling of 49 bells, remarks from family and survivors, and musical and cultural performances.
For more information or to watch the livestream, visit pulseorlando.org.
