Florida gay nightclub to become memorial to shooting victims

[DonViejo]

Source: Reuters




Thu May 4, 2017 | 11:15am EDT

By Letitia Stein | TAMPA, FLA.

A memorial will be created at the gay nightclub in Florida, dedicated to the 49 people who were killed in June 2016 in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, its owner said on Thursday.

Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma said details would be determined with input from the affected community in Orlando, Florida. She outlined plans for a permanent memorial and eventually a museum, plus scholarships honoring the victims.

"What began as a place for fun and joy is now sacred ground," Poma said at a news conference, noting that developing the memorial would be a lengthy process. "We must never forget the true focus of the project," she said. "We will not let hate win."

Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old claiming allegiance to the Islamic State militant group, opened fire inside Pulse on June 12, 2016 before being killed by police after a three-hour standoff. At least 58 people were also injured.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-florida-shooting-memorial-idUSKBN1801ZL

[retrowire]

1. It's the only thing to be done with the location. nt

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

2. It's the second-best thing that could happen.

Better if it could simply reopen as it was.

[retrowire]

3. ....

Yes, I can imagine a great night out dancing on the literal graves of past patrons.

Sorry, I don't think you thought that through. Sure, reopening is a method of saying "Fuck you, you won't tear us down! We'll still dance!"

But it's better to dance elsewhere. I know I couldn't enjoy a night in that club after knowing who can't dance there anymore.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

4. Understood. I still prefer reopening.

"Fuck you, you won't tear us down! We'll still dance!" I could not have thought up better words.

But I think an operating nightclub, with a memorial statue, plaque, and annual celebration, would work better than a static museum, to be visited much, then not so much, then rarely, gathering dust.

As a museum/memorial, I hope my view is wrong and that it succeeds for a long time.

Peace.

[retrowire]

5. I hope the same. nt