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WILKES-BARRE — The plan came together quickly, but organizers and attendees of a local vigil Sunday night in honor of the victims of a shooting at a gay nightclub in Florida, hope the message lasts forever.

“The whole idea to have this event today is not only to bring awareness to the LGBT community, but to society as a whole,” said Chris Emanski, who operates the Heat Bar & Nightclub with Shawn Ebert. “We have to show these terrorists that we are forever strong as a community and that humanity is forever strong. We do whatever it takes to stand up to terrorism.”

The vigil, attended by about 75 people, was held in the parking lot adjacent to the gay bar and dance club. Wilkes-Barre City Council members Tony Brooks, Beth Gilbert and Mike Belusko attended the event, along with City Administrator Ted Wampole.

“We are here to show our support for the LGBT community,” Wampole said. “It’s important to know that we all stand together against crimes of hate and terrorism.”

Wampole said Mayor Tony George and Police Chief Marcella Lendacky were out of town Sunday.

John Dawe, representing Equality Pennsylvania, said Sunday was the time to remember the victims of the shooting and to postpone discussion on other issues.

“Today is not the day to talk about the motives behind this tragedy,” Dawe said. “We can debate public policies another day, like gun control, terrorism and hate crimes. But not today. Today we focus on the victims and we pray for them and their families.”

Ebert said it’s important to represent the LGBT community as it should be — visible.

“We can’t be afraid,” he said. “We are part of the community. When tragedy strikes, we can’t fear — we can’t hide. We must not be afraid. We must stay relevant. Be who you are.”

Beth Farr, 27 of Nanticoke, agreed that fear should not be felt or displayed.

“We can’t show weakness,” she said. “This will not change my life. I will continue to advocate for equality for everyone.”

Farr said she has friends in Florida close to Orlando and when she heard the news of the shootings, she contacted them.

“They’re all OK,” Farr said. “They are all safe, but they know people who were affected by this. You never think something like this could happen anywhere and, when it does, it rocks you to your core.”

Jarrett Hank, 22 of Wilkes-Barre, said it was important to hold the vigil so people could come out and show support for the victims.

“And it brings the LGBT community together,” he said.

Earlier Sunday, Mandy Mullis and Brittany Edwards were having a coffee and conversation at Dunkin’ Donuts on South Main Street when the topic went to the mass murders in Orlando.

Mullis and Edwards, both of Wilkes-Barre, said they were devastated when they heard the news of the shootings.

“The fact that it was at an LGBT club is the most devastating part of this story for me,” Edwards said. “I hold them near and dear to my heart. We are all brothers and sisters. We all bleed the same.”

Mullis said the tragic event has to be a horrible ordeal for all the families of the victims.

“People should feel fearful,” she said. “These people were literally hunted just because of their lifestyle.”

Edwards said nobody should have to fear for their life just because of their sexual orientation.

“Everybody has the right to live their life as they choose,” Edwards said.

At the vigil, Councilman Brooks said he was angry, sad and frustrated.

“But I’m grateful to live in an exceptional nation where you can choose who you love,” Brooks said. “Love is what we all want to have — we want to give it, receive it and express it.”

Brooks said love was in the Orlando nightclub Pulse.

“Love, music and dancing,” Brooks said. “Put them together and the United Nations could solve all of the world’s problems.”

Shawn Ebert hugs Phyllis Monda at a vigil outside Ebert’s Wilkes-Barre bar on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_TTL061316Vigil1.jpg.optimal.jpgShawn Ebert hugs Phyllis Monda at a vigil outside Ebert’s Wilkes-Barre bar on Sunday. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Idalis Lanzara holds a candle at a vigil outside Heat Bar & Nightclub in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday evening to remember the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_TTL061316Vigil3.jpg.optimal.jpgIdalis Lanzara holds a candle at a vigil outside Heat Bar & Nightclub in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday evening to remember the victims of the mass shooting in Orlando. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Anne Wolfe and David Wech comfort each other as they listen to speakers at Sunday’s vigil at Heat Bar & Nightclub.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_TTL061316Vigil2.jpg.optimal.jpgAnne Wolfe and David Wech comfort each other as they listen to speakers at Sunday’s vigil at Heat Bar & Nightclub. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

Shawn Ebert, left, owner of Heat Bar & Nightclub in Wilkes-Barre, hugs Matthew Gatusky after a vigil held outside the local club Sunday evening in response to the shootings in Orlando.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_TTL061316Vigil4.jpg.optimal.jpgShawn Ebert, left, owner of Heat Bar & Nightclub in Wilkes-Barre, hugs Matthew Gatusky after a vigil held outside the local club Sunday evening in response to the shootings in Orlando. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.