When I lived in New York City, I applied to be a docent at what was then the new 9/11 Museum. Imagine my surprise when I was called for an interview. Then imagine my surprise when I was selected. I was part of the second docent class and had the advantage of learning from the inaugural docents.
It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life to help keep the narrative of America’s worst day alive.
Orlando now has that opportunity to preserve a tragically similar story.
Orlando’s purchase of the Pulse nightclub absolutely is the best thing to do for all parties involved.
Why is this a good thing? City fathers and mothers have heard constituents and survivors and surviving families: the Pulse parcel is sacred ground. It should be forever remembered that the corner on 1912 S. Orange Avenue was where 49 lives were lost — including a friend of mine who was the first victim identified. Eddie Sotomayor Jr. from Sarasota was just 34 years old and had a bright future ahead of him. I don’t want him or the 48 other souls lost on that day forgotten.
Plans for a Pulse memorial would stand as a testament of resilience. This city came together and continued the strong hashtag that proclaimed we will overcome. People all over the world put #OrlandoStrong on every social media platform.
We, as voters, (yes, we still exist and matter to some people) must insist on the option of having some say when it comes to what to do with the property.
Going back to New York and 9/11: It took parties a decade to decide on what would be fitting and acceptable. They never did and never will reach 100% consensus. I can guarantee you the same thing will happen here. However, we must start with the basic belief that the site of the nightclub is sacred ground. It must be preserved to honor the dead and ensure they will never be forgotten.
We can use this site as effectively as the 9/11 museum to teach us more about what happened on June 12, 2016, so that it will not be repeated. We can use what happened on Orange Avenue as a forever teachable moment: Orlando is a community that welcomes and celebrates diversity. We are enough.
For those who think $2 million is an outrageous price for a piece of property mired in one of the most tragic days: It isn’t. Assuming every taxpayer in Orlando ponies up $7 (less than the price of a Florida Happy Meal), it would be paid for in less than a week.
The most important thing, however, is for the city to be willing to listen to its residents. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is one of the most somber, yet beautiful remembrances of America’s worst day. Orlando would be wise to study what New York did.
John Secor is a Deltona-based entrepreneur.
