Community remembers Pulse Nightclub victims one year later

Monday marked the anniversary of the shooting June 12, 2016.

The name of each victim was read aloud, starting at 2:02 a.m. Monday.

"We just had to come here today", said Joe Moy, 56, of Orlando, who has two gay children and attended the event with his wife.

Forty-nine people died and dozens were injured when a lone gunman who claimed allegiance to the so-called Islamic State opened fire in the gay nightclub.

As mourners gathered to commemorate the year anniversary of the shootings on 12 June, three protestors held homophobic signs and shouted extreme religious rhetoric.

Orange county, FL Mayor Teresa Jacobs said, "I can tell you candidly that 10 years ago, I could never have imagined that we would be able to fly this flag".

For Orlando, the city's brush with awful violence arrived June 12, 2016, as gunman Omar Mateen went on a shooting rampage at the club in the early hours, firing at club-goers after having pledged his allegiance to known terrorist groups and individuals, authorities said.

About 40 people gathered inside Common Space in downtown Fresno to honor the victims and reflect on the tragedy. She plans to build a memorial at the site of the nightclub, which has been closed since the tragedy. Gov. Rick Scott ordered USA flags around Florida to be flown at half-staff and a giant rainbow flag would be unveiled at the Orange County government building. "We were so excited and then boom the gunshots start".

At yesterday's memorial, 49 church bells were rang to represent the 49 people who lost their lives at Pulse.

The real message was love and togetherness. "We are one love".

A foot race was held over the weekend, and eight gay and lesbian students were awarded $4,900 toward their college studies by a local businessman.

Aliyah Proctor of Orlando remembers Pulse Nightclub well. She was not present for the shooting and has pleaded not guilty.

Those, like Carter, stressed the importance gathering on the one-year anniversary served.