[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 102 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          MARKING ONE YEAR SINCE THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. STEPHANIE N. MURPHY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2017

  Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, one year ago this week, 49 
beautiful, innocent lives were stolen from us and countless others were 
forever changed as a result of the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub in 
Orlando.
  The losses were staggering. The act shocking. And the stories 
heartbreaking.
  It was a tragedy that did not represent the Orlando I know, a vibrant 
city that prides itself on its love, inclusion and hospitality.
  Orlando is not a perfect city, but it is a great city. In the 
aftermath of this tragedy, our city was tested, but it was never 
broken.
  Everyone in Orlando from courageous police officers and first 
responders to compassionate medical professionals and complete 
strangers, came together in our darkest hour. Ordinary citizens did 
extraordinary things. We proved we were Orlando strong and Orlando 
united.
  That's why Monday--Orlando United Day--and everything it represents, 
is so important for Orlando, and our nation.
  I stood alongside thousands of people at the Pulse memorial in 
Orlando on Monday morning.
  The memory of that event is still vivid, but the love and unity 
within our city has never been stronger.
  I remember the first time I visited those sacred grounds after that 
tragic night. I was overcome with emotion by the outpouring of love 
written onto walls, within picture frames, and in notes tied to 
flowers. I came across a simple message written in chalk with a heart 
drawn around it: ``Keep Dancing.''
  We owe it to the victims and their families to keep dancing, and to 
do everything within our power to prevent tragedies like this from 
happening again.
  That's why Congress must lead. We must continue to work together, 
Democrats and Republicans, to protect our communities from these 
horrific acts.
  Hope that things can and will change should drive our efforts. While 
49 voices were forever silenced here one year ago, hope, as Harvey Milk 
once said, hope will never be silent.
  We must honor the lives and legacies of the Pulse victims by putting 
aside that which divides us and rededicating ourselves to treating one 
another with love and respect.
  Today, let's remember 49 beautiful lives that were lost one year ago. 
Their names and faces must inspire us to be better people, and a better 
nation.
  May God bless the memories of the Pulse victims and their families, 
and may we all keep dancing.

                          ____________________