ORLANDO, Fla. – Tens of thousands gathered to remember the 49 lives lost one year ago in the Pulse Nightclub Shooting.
Along with these 49 people, dozens more were injured after a gunman stormed inside the club and began shooting. It was the single worst shooting in U.S. history.
IMAGES: The Pulse remembrance
People are opening up about the day that changed their lives forever.
The real message was love and togetherness. That's what a lot of people felt when they first came to Pulse before the tragedy. Now that this has happened, that message hasn't changed. If anything, it's gotten stronger.
Thousands of people showed up throughout the day- packing Lake Eola for the Orlando Love Ceremony. Around 10 p.m. Monday, people gathered at Pulse for the remembrance ceremony. People prayed together while the names of all 49 victims were read out loud. Hundreds more gathered outside to reflect at the memorial left behind.
News4Jax spoke to people who said Pulse was like a second home for them, and coming back is still a surreal experience.
"I saw everything and I'm like, wow, I can't believe it. One day we're here hanging out and then the next minute, it's an attraction. It's just how fast things can change. I believe that everybody is doing this because of the unity. And everybody needs that unity," said Noel Rosa.
People who lost friends in this tragedy said they're still heartbroken, and that will never go away. But they take comfort in seeing how this community has supported them. They say that's what makes Orlando strong.