USHCC Statement on the Victims of the Orlando Mass Shooting

WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - June 14, 2016) - The USHCC joins the rest of the country and civilized world in mourning the loss of the 50 young men and women innocently gunned down at Pulse Nightclub this weekend in Orlando, Florida. We solemnly reflect on this Saturday evening in America, a day that began with celebration, love, and pride, and ended as the largest mass shooting in American history. Below are the names of those who lost their lives celebrating love -- we will remember them and their stories today, and every day. One day, these names will bring a smile to our faces before a tear to our eyes.

The shooting took place on Latin Night at Pulse, an evening that married Hispanic culture and LGBT pride to remind us of our common humanity, a deeper mutuality that exists among communities, and the universal languages of music, self-expression, and love that bring people from all walks of life together.

And while the majority of the victims were of Hispanic decent, the silent heroes inside and outside the club -- who sprang into action to help the injured -- came from all backgrounds.

These silent heroes, along with the survivors who have courageously shared their experiences, send a clear message: No matter the tragedy, our bond as Americans can sustain us, and we will never allow our dreams to be undermined by the nightmares inflicted upon them.

That is why we are proud to stand strongly in support of our brothers and sisters at the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and the LGBT community at large, during these tragic times.

Our association is committed -- both in word and deed -- to doing its part to help. Our local chamber, the Hispanic Chamber of Metro Orlando (HCCMO) has organized a coalition of sister organizations and certified, bilingual mental health professionals to help the city heal. The coalition will help families directly impacted by the shooting, as well as children and adults in need of guidance. To learn more about these local efforts, contact info@HispanicChamber.net.

Names of the victims:

Stanley Almodovar III, 23 years old

Amanda Alvear, 25 years old

Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26 years old

Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33 years old

Antonio Davon Brown, 29 years old

Darryl Roman Burt II, 29 years old

Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28 years old

Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25 years old

Luis Daniel Conde, 39 years old

Cory James Connell, 21 years old

Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25 years old

Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32 years old

Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31 years old

Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25 years old

Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26 years old

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22 years old

Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22 years old

Paul Terrell Henry, 41 years old

Frank Hernandez, 27 years old

Miguel Angel Honorato, 30 years old

Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40 years old

Jason Benjamin Josaphat, 19 years old

Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30 years old

Anthony Luis Laureanodisla, 25 years old

Christopher Andrew Leinonen, 32 years old

Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21 years old

Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49 years old

Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25 years old

Kimberly Morris, 37 years old

Akyra Monet Murray, 18 years old

Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20 years old

Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25 years old

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36 years old

Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32 years old

Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35 years old

Enrique L. Rios, Jr., 25 years old

Jean C. Nives Rodriguez, 27 years old

Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35 years old

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24 years old

Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24 years old

Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34 years old

Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33 years old

Martin Benitez Torres, 33 years old

Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24 years old

Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37 years old

Luis S. Vielma, 22 years old

Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50 years old

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37 years old

Jerald Arthur Wright, 31 years old

ABOUT THE USHCC

The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development and interests of more than 4.1 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that combined, contribute over $661 billion to the American economy every year. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide. For more information, visit ushcc.com.

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