MOURNERS quietly sobbed, while others sang along to the music at QEII Square on Saturday, as a colourful crowd paid tribute to the fallen victims of the Orlando shooting.
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Fifty people were killed and more than 50 others injured when a gunman opened fire inside crowded gay club Pulse last weekend.
The Border remembered those victims through songs, speeches and in silence at the vigil.
Wodonga's Shane Morris proudly donned a rainbow hat and vest in support of the LGBTIQ community.
He said the service was a much needed event for all members of the community.
“When I first heard about the shooting, I just felt sadness,” he said.
“But then I got to a point where I was angry at how something like this could happen at all.
“It's just infuriating and hard to understand.
“This vigil is very important, not only for the memory of the people in Orlando, but to support the community here.
“It's to show if someone is having trouble or if they are scared, there is support.
“My love goes out to the survivors and their families and friends, they would be suffering through all this.”
People from all walks of life attended the vigil including religious leaders and member of SWAG Albury Wodonga and Hume Pheonix – the Border’s LGBTIQ groups.
A minute of silence was held and balloons released for each of the 50 people who were killed in the tragedy.
One-by-one, people moved in and held hands as a show of solidarity.
At the end of the service a line formed of people wanting to write down a message to send to Orlando.
Beryl, the alter ego of SWAG founder Brian Kuehn, said the book would be sent to Pulse nightclub.
Mr Kuehn encouraged people to stand proud and show no fear when he spoke at the service.
“Look around,” he said.
“It was sad, happy and people are still in tears.
“Families have been hurt and are worried – we are here to show love and support.
“I think this will help people heal … we are all equal, we all have love and we won't forget those lost.
“We shouldn’t need a tragedy to come out like this.”
Deb Hayman, from Hume Phoenix, encouraged everyone to share the love they showed on Saturday.
“We are here for you and for the people of Orlando,” she said during the service.
