A year has passed since 49 people lost their lives in the Orlando nightclub, Pulse. What remains is their memory, sorrow and 49 rainbow flags lining the red brick on Samford lawn.
"The largest terrorist attack since 9/11 happened just last year and we can't forget that," said Kelli Thompson, vice president of Parents,
Auburn students, faculty and community members gathered as the sun set behind Samford's bell tower. Those 49 flags rustled in the wind as storms subsided from earlier that day.
Although quiet and respectful, the crowd kept high spirits as they discussed a list of Pride Month events and ways to take action against hate.
Whether straight and white or part of a marginalized crowd, Thompson said, a battle for rights is taking place and it's for everyone. From a young age, Thompson said she felt her battle for civil rights would be the fight for equal rights among the LGBTQ community.
"The most important thing is that we are not going to stop," Thompson said. "As long as we have Alabama senators putting forth bills like the Bathroom Bill, which thankfully got shut down, but as long as they are still being proposed we are going to continue to be here organizing people to be better."
Jane Turnbull-Humphries, president of PFLAG, was present at the memorial after the shooting. She was surprised to see the large crowds gather in mourning.
"Concerted efforts" are being taken and our community is getting better since PFLAG has begun to spread awareness and knowledge, Thompson said.
Turnbull-Humphries said they strive for an apolitical environment and stress education rather than division.
"We are here to gather together and make Auburn a safer place for everyone," Turnbull-Humphries said.
Those that gathered came from Auburn University's Spectrum, Moms Demand Action, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and community members.
With rainbow flag pins tucked and clipped to the shirts of those sitting cross-legged on the lawn, members of the represented groups stood to read poems and inspirational passages about strength, love and unfailing compassion. The group stood as Spectrum students read the names of those who lost their lives that night.
Silence set in as the 49 names were read behind the line of plastic rainbow flags — heads pointed toward the ground, hugs being shared by those who listened in remembrance.
Thompson said an atrocity like this must not be forgotten, although it might be easy seeing as it happened to a minority. Taking action and inspiring those to do such is why we are here, Thompson said.
"I think we would benefit from learning from the brave men and women of the civil rights movement and say, 'You know what? The time for silence has long past.' This is our fight, this is our battle," Thompson said.
Erin Walker, director of political affairs for Auburn's Spectrum, has been fighting said fight with Spectrum for seven years. Her studies are centered around gender, sexual and romantic minorities.
Walker said the importance of acknowledging and honoring the lives lost that night is imperative to the campus community.
"[This vigil] shows that the university really is all in when they talk about the Auburn Family," Walker said. "It shows that all minorities have a place on this campus. It would be very easy to focus on division and hatred after an act like this."
Walker said a year ago, that was even clearer. As gatherings like this happen, Walker said, solidarity is formed and unity grows in Auburn. Walker said she is personally thankful for Auburn's willingness to host events like this.
Walker said close friends of friends lost their lives that night. With a tight-knit community like this one, you're always going to know of someone that was affected, Walker said.
"Seeing that impact, seeing that loss of life is something that should not be tolerated," Walker said. "It shouldn't happen. We have to work to improve and respond in an act of love."
Walker said support for minorities wavers and even disappears every day. The support Auburn shows through hosting events like this touches lives and creates an inclusive and welcoming environment, Walker said.
"The core of Auburn, Auburn University, is expanding out and its diversity is spreading into the city around it."
With candles lit as the sunlight disappeared, two recently graduated Auburn High School students sang, "Can't Help Falling in Love," made famous by Elvis Presley, and "Imagine," by John Lennon. The sound of muffled voices singing in melody masked the few tears that fell in remembrance.
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