OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Families of the victims from the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting were left in tears Wednesday afternoon after getting a first look at Osceola County’s plan to honor their loved ones with a 49-foot monument call a “Wings of the Rainbow.”
“Every year, asking for something and wishing for something that they promised us years ago. It’s something that gives us hope,” said mother of Pulse Nightclub Shooting Victim Andrea Drayton.
Andrea Drayton said it’s going be a beautiful way to honor her daughter’s memory.
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“She would smile. She was full of love. She loved people. She loved helping people so it’s definitely something she would have been proud of,” said Drayton about the proposed memorial.
Jefere, the artist behind the project, said the display at Brownie Wise Park will feature a heart shaped butterfly garden and 49 glass rainbow wings. Each wing will contain a name of the victims.
“It’s time to celebrate their lives. It’s really not about how they passed away, but how they lived their life,” Jefere said.
The artist is providing his services free of charge. Osceola Commission Chair Cheryl Grieb said they are hoping to to complete this project within a year.
“We have to do all the engineering drawings first. Where the structure is going to go, make sure it’s secure. Then we have to get all the supplies and such,” Grieb said.
The family of the victims and survivors hope this plan will inspire more to make tributes in Central Florida.
“At least this is something. Hopefully the city of Orlando would do something to follow,” Drayton said.
Visitors to the memorial can leave digital messages via a QR code, according to Jefere. They also plan to collect photos and memorabilia to add to the display.
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