Windsorites are standing together to remember the 49 people killed in an horrific shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando in the early morning hours on Sunday.
A vigil was held on Wednesday in downtown Windsor on Maiden Lane where political, community and faith leaders addressed the hundreds of people showing their support for those affected by the attack.
"I'm very hurt by what has happened," says Fallon Funkenhauser from Windsor. "I think hate is something that touches everybody in their lifetime. Standing together to know that there's support whether we're here in Windsor or Orlando, it's maybe one of the only ways we can show it."
She feels the vigil served an important purpose.
"We know that good things can happen in our community and I think that's helpful," says Funkenhauser. "I think you feel the support."
Vigil attendee, only going by Nancy from Windsor, has experienced hate and hopes coming together can help others cope.
"In Detroit in the early 80s and that, there were snipers and stuff when you were going into the bar; couple of my friends were shot," she says. "It's always been a hate thing."
Mayor Drew Dilkens addressed those gathered on the warm Wednesday evening and stressed how proud he was of those working to create acceptance in Windsor-Essex.
He says the goal is to be unafraid.
"In Windsor-Essex, the conversation, the open dialogue that will continue; the parades and the alliances they will continue; the gathering and celebrations like the one here tonight, they will continue," says Dilkens.
The attack on Sunday was the deadliest shooting in American history which also saw 53 people wounded in addition to the 49 killed.
David Lenz, President of the Windsor Pride Fest, speaks at a vigil held in Windsor on June 15, 2016 for those affected by the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando earlier that week. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens speaks at a vigil held in Windsor on June 15, 2016 for those affected by the shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando earlier that week. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor City Councillor Rino Bortolin addresses those gathered for a vigil in Windsor on June 15, 2016 after a deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A member of the Windsor Islamic Council speaks at a vigil held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor radio personality Dan MacDonald performs slam poetry at a vigil held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick addresses those gathered for a vigil in Windsor on June 15, 2016 after a deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A Pride flag is flown at a vigil held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A Canadian Pride flag is signed and to be delivered to Orlando as part of a vigil held in Windsor on June 15 after a deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A vigil is held in Windsor after the deadly shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
