orlando mass shooting

Houstonians gather to honor Orlando victims

By Lauren Lea
Sunday, June 12, 2016
A large crowd gathered in Hermann Park Sunday evening to honor the victims of the Orlando shooting.
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Dozens of Houstonians came together to find strength in each other at a vigil for the Orlando shooting victims on Sunday night. Hermann Park was at the heart of those grieving, and through songs and tears came healing and hope.

"50 people who I didn't know but were part of my community were killed and they were killed for exact reasons that I could be killed or my congregation could be killed, or people I love," explained Lura Groen, who is a pastor at a Lutheran Church.



She lead a prayer for peace, with hope of a less violent tomorrow. Friends and strangers comforted one another.

PHOTOS: Americans remember Orlando victims
Mourners observe a moment of silence during a vigil for victims of a fatal shooting at an Orlando nightclub, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Atlanta.none
Paul Cox, right, leans on the shoulder of Brian Sullivan, as they observe a moment of silence during a vigil on Sunday, June 12 in Atlanta.none
A couple embraces as people gather in front of a makeshift memorial in New York to remember the victims of a mass shooting in Orlando, Fla.none
A woman cries and holds flowers in front of a makeshift memorial to remember the victims of a mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., in New York.none
Caleb McGrew, right, wipes tears as he stands with his partner Yosniel Delgado Giniebra, center, during a vigil in Miami Beach, Fla.none
Mourners gather in DuPont Circle in Washington, DC.none
Mourners gather along the shore of Orlando's Lake Eola as the sun sets.KTRK
Houstonians gather in Hermann Park to remember those killed in Orlando.KTRK
Members of the LGBT community gather in Portland, Oregon on Sunday.none
Demonstrators gather around a Pride flag in Miami Beach.none
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton speaks at a vigil in Minneapolis.none
Juan Mantilla, 42, of Miami Beach, Fla., left, stands with his partner during a vigil in memory of the victims of the Orlando mass shooting, Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Miami Beach.AP
Rachel Henry, from left, Selene Arciga, Nicolette Gullickson and Joanna Lamstein join LGBT supporters as they gather for a candlelight vigil in front of the White House.AP
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A demonstrator raises a rainbow flag during an event in Chicago.none
Mourners in Chicago commemorate the shooting at Pulse nightclub.none
Mourners leave candles and flowers at a memorial in West Palm Beach, Florida.none
A man lights a candle during a vigil in front of the U.S. embassy to remember the victims of the mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub, in Santiago, Chile.AP
A rainbow appears over a vigil in Dallas.none
Nashville Police Lt. David Leavitt speaks at a candlelight vigil in Public Square Park in memory of Orlando victims.none
Miami Beach residents prepare for a vigil.none
Demonstrators march through Midtown Nashville before a vigil in Public Square Park.none
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto stands in solidarity during a march.none
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Demonstrators march with signs and LGBT Pride flags during an event in New York City.none


"No longer are we going to be sad," explained Kim Frederick, on the verge of tears. "We are going to make sure change comes of this. I've had it. I've had it with the guns and the hate and the rhetoric against LGBT people or any people. It has to end."
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Separated by thousands of miles, everyone at the vigil stands united with Orlando.



"These acts of violence have to stop. I think people are just tired and I think our voices need to be heard," explained Dan McCommis.
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