onePULSE Foundation, the official nonprofit managing the design, construction, and operation of a permanent museum and memorial for the June 12, 2016 tragedy, opened a temporary interim memorial to the public recently.
To mark the opening, the foundation joined with families, survivors, first responders, and civic and spiritual leaders to dedicate the interim memorial, which will provide a place for commemoration and reflection.
“Everything you will experience here is intentional. It has purpose,” says onePULSE Foundation Executive Director Barbara Poma during her closing remarks. She went on to say, “I know we all reflect on the way our Orlando community responded immediately after the tragedy, but this interim memorial is a true testament to how people continue to respond. It is just utterly heartwarming how everyone still wants to be a part of what happens here. Orlandoans truly love their city, their people, their family.”
The Pulse interim memorial is open to the public while planning and design of the permanent memorial are underway. The Foundation’s Design and Construction Committee, led by Vicki Berman, reviewed and approved the interim design, and will soon begin efforts to oversee the design of the permanent memorial and museum.
“We know that the next phase of the process will require much time and a great deal of effort, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” says Berman.
As part of the interim memorial design, the iconic Pulse sign has been enhanced and a new fence placed around the perimeter of the nightclub itself. It will remain standing until the permanent memorial and museum designs are selected. Along the fence are panels and murals honoring the 49 victims who were taken.
In July, the onePULSE Foundation will begin the search for architects and designs for the permanent memorial and museum. The design search process is expected to last through 2018.
Information about the continuing efforts, and a full list of memorial task force members can be found at www.onePULSEFoundation.org.
