Friend of Pulse victim recalls him as a ‘brother’ during remembrance event

When Ro’Derick Byers took his place at the podium, he made a request of the audience.

“I want the front row to look behind you (and each row) in succession, and what I want you to say is, ‘I love you.’ Because if I had you turn to your neighbor, you’d know the person sitting next to you and I’d hope you love them. But you don’t know the person sitting behind you, so let’s go ahead and spread a little love.”

The audience obliged, and the message spread from the front of the room to the back. An uplifting message in a room filled with sorrow.

Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the attack that killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub, the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

The Pulse of the Community Beats Stronger With Love and Unity event at Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 322 15th St. W. on Monday night aimed to remember those whose lives were lost. About 100 people filled nearly every chair at the event put on by Manatee Pride, Prism Youth Initiative and local LGBTQ supporters.

Byers shared his memories of a life lost that night that was especially close to him, that of 34-year-old Edward (Eddie) Sotomayor Jr.

Taking a moment to compose himself after saying his friend’s name, Byers went on.

“Eddie Sotomayor was not just a friend, but a brother. I’ve known Eddie since 1999,” Byers said, explaining they met in a nightclub in Sarasota. “I miss the times we laughed. I miss the times we laughed at our friends.”

He reflected on his friend — dancing together, their conversations and other “little things.” But, Byers said, Eddie would want everyone to remember how important it is that life is worth living.

“Through everyday life experiences ... the world will try to bring you down,” Byers said. “So I stand here to encourage you to hold your head up, stand tall. When adversity seems daunting, believe in yourself that you will overcome it all and that God made you who you are and that you can do anything if you have faith and just believe.”

During the event, several music videos with photos from the hours following the attack and those of victims flashed on the screen as the music filled the small room.

Rain that fell over downtown just hours before the event left the skies overcast and cloudy, but inside, 49 vibrant roses were arranged in individual vases to represent the lives lost one year ago.

Callie Macleod brought her children in hopes they would learn the importance of the event and not let it happen again.

“I think it’s shocking and surreal,” Macleod said. “I think they see and hear about so much violence in the world that it doesn’t become real until they come and participate in something like that. When they read the names and see the names and see people who knew them or at least feel for them, it makes it more real.”

In addition to her children, Macleod was also joined Monday night by Sarah Campbell and Tracy Hunter, both United Methodist pastors.

Hunter, who now serves at a church in Tampa, said she used to serve a congregation in Orlando.

None of her friends were in the club, but she had friends who lost someone they loved in the attack. She now lives in Bradenton and wanted a way to remember the victims. The Pulse of the Community Beats Stronger With Love and Unity event was that chance.

This story was originally published June 12, 2017 at 10:16 PM with the headline "Friend of Pulse victim recalls him as a ‘brother’ during remembrance event."