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Orlando gathers for Pulse remembrance ceremony

49 killed, dozens wounded in attack at Orlando nightclub

ORLANDO, Fla.Forty-nine people were killed and dozens more were wounded in the Pulse tragedy on June 12, 2016.

On the three-year mark Wednesday, memorials and blood drives are set to honor victims of the mass shooting.

Blood drives will be held the next two weeks across Central Florida to honor the victims. Click here to find a donation center.

The First United Methodist Church rang the building’s bells 49 times at noon in unison with other churches across the country to honor the victims.

Several people gathered at Pulse throughout the day to remember the fallen.

"It's insanity what happened here that night. I knew nine of them very well, and it still rattles me," Elizabeth Gemind said. "It just rips to the core and I just can't understand why there is so much hate." 

Germind said she's glad a memorial is being built.

"We need to honor them and I think the greatest thing is they're making this a monument, because it honors them, it respects them and it shows that we won't forget and that we do love them."

Jim McDermott's friend was injured during the attack.

"It's just kind of like life getting back to normal, but kind of carrying them with us, so I think that's what year three seems to be about," he said. "We will never forget what happened here and we will never forget the people: our friends and community that suffered and died here. We're one big family."

Architect leaders will be sharing an update with News 6 Wednesday on how the Pulse memorial is coming along.

At Exploria Stadium, 49 rainbow-colored seats in section 12, which are dedicated to the victims of the Pulse tragedy, were opened for community members to pay tribute.

Meanwhile, the "Love Speaks" exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center pays tributes to victims from tragedy. The exhibit runs through Sept. 22. 
 


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