The Pulse Nightclub shooting was 4 months ago, but the pain of the tragedy is still fresh. For the Orlando Magic, whose stadium is situated just two short miles from Pulse Nightclub, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history hit very close to home. On Wednesday, they dedicated their home opener to the lives of the 49 victims of the attack in a very moving tribute.
The blue #OrlandoUnited shirts each Magic player is wearing. pic.twitter.com/tfb2pPyNmG
— Cody Taylor (@CodyTaylorNBA) October 26, 2016
The organization also revealed a banner that will hang from the rafters. The banner has the number 49 on it along with the names of all of the victims from the attack on June 12th.
My upmost respect to Orlando Magic for raising a banner in their arena with 49. Honoring the lives lost in the shooting #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/6k7xW9NZXr
— Leighton Ong Yiu (@LeightonONG) October 27, 2016
Additionally, Brandon Parsons performed “Forty-Nine Times,” a song dedicated to those who lost their lives in the shooting. This was an emotional moment for many; there was not a dry eye in the stadium.
Tonight we remember & honor the 49 victims, their families & first responders from the Pulse nightclub tragedy. #OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/pPzKnUA9QY
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 27, 2016
Moments like these show that there is power in a hashtag. The Orlando Magic took a stand against homophobia, and show that in the face of hate and bigotry, we will come together and be stronger than before.
