Barbara Poma, the owner of Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, has announced the future installation of a permanent memorial at the scene of last year's tragic mass shooting, the largest in US history.
As the one-year anniversary of the terror attack on the LGBTQIA club nears, Poma says that it's important that a memorial be placed at the club, to commemorate the 49 lives lost.
Poma says that the planning process for the permanent memorial will begin soon, and that she has wanted to implement one ever since the day of the attack.
In a press release, the nightclub owner said, “Pulse has always been a part of me, but after this tragedy which took 49 lives, it became a part of this community and the world,’’ Poma said in a news release. “It’s important that we as a community be mindful and take great care to preserve, honor and help heal.”
The planning process for the memorial will rely on community input, and Orlando locals will be able to attend a town hall meeting on the topic.
Barbara Poma announces the beginning of the planning process for a permanent memorial at Pulse nightclub. Source: Orlando Sentinel.
Since the attack, Poma has established the not-for-profit onePulse Foundation, who will be in charge of creating the permanent memorial. Poma has also previously said that the one year anniversary of the attack (June 12th, 2017) will include two events on the nightclub's property - a midday ceremony, and another gathering in the evening. The club has been closed since the attack occurred.
Poma's announcement of the memorial planning coincided with the state House making progress on the movement to make June 12th 'Pulse Remembrance Day' in Florida.
