"Our flame won't be extinguished:" Racine community holds vigil to remember Orlando victims

RACINE -- People in Racine are showing solidarity for Orlando. About 100 people took part in a vigil at North Beach Tuesday evening, June 14th.

Racine vigil for Orlando mass shooting victims

"I kept thinking that could've been me," said Karen Aber, organizer.

It's difficult to find words at a time like this.

"It could've been any one of my friends," said Aber.

Through tears, Karen Aber leads a vigil just days after tragedy.

"It doesn't matter if it's Milwaukee, Wisconsin... Orlando, Florida, it affects us all," Aber said.

Those at Racine North Beach Tuesday night, remember lives lost at the Pulse nightclub early Sunday morning, June 12th.

Racine vigil for Orlando mass shooting victims

"I'm afraid I had some friends who had been in the holocaust there," said Steven Kovacia, LGBT Center Racine.

For Steven Kovacia, the pain hits close to home. A friend of his was in the Orlando club and unaccounted for.

"All the friends in Florida are trying to contact him and see if he's alright. But so far nothing," said Kovacia.

For others who did not know the victims, there is still a sense of loss.

Racine vigil for Orlando mass shooting victims

"It was devastating because to me an attack on one is an attack on all of us," said Dan Seaver, Kenosha Pride.

As the names of 49 victims are read out loud, there is a promise to be resilient to show the world love will drive out hate.

"Our flame won't be extinguished, it will grow stronger and we will be more united," said Aber.

So many say it hurts most the massacre happened in a safe place. Though shaken, they say they will not live in fear.

Racine vigil for Orlando mass shooting victims