"So this is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American -- regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation -- is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country. And no act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans."

- President Barack Obama

Sunday June 12th, 2016 marked the most deadly shooting in American history. Another massacre claiming the lives of 50 people and leaving another 53 injured, to further serve as a reminder of how easy it is for an individual to get their hands on a weapon that gives them the power to shoot and end the lives of innocent people. Every time another event like this occurs it is a painful reminder that we are no longer safe; in our movie theaters, in our elementary schools, in our high schools, in our colleges, in our churches or in our nightclubs. However the only thing that continues to be safe is the Second Amendment. We can only hope that the future will bring change.

As we learn of the victims of this tragedy we can only hope to remember them for the way they lived their lives, for the joy they brought to others, and for the impact they left on the world rather than the hateful way in which they were taken from us. They are more than just a list of names. They are people who loved and were loved. Everybody is somebody's everything. May they rest in peace. They will be missed dearly.

Here are their stories:

Edward Sotomayor Jr., 34

Edward, who also went by Eddie served as a brand manager for a larger gay travel agency known as AlandChuckTravel. He was from Sarasota, Florida and was known to friends as "Top Hat Eddie." Loved ones described him as being" funny, sarcastic, loyal, clever, smart, handsome, and loving but most of all kind." Eddie died a hero helping his boyfriend escape the bar.

Stanley Almodovar III, 23

Stanley studied at Anthem College then later worked as an administrative pharmacy technician at Convance. He was originally from Springfeild, Massachusetts, but was living in Clermont, Florida. His mother says he was a happy man with a big heart. He died saving those around him by pushing people out of the way as bullets were flying. Stanley would haves turned 24 later this month.

Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20

Luis was originally from Cleveland, he had a passion for dancing and was described by a former teacher as "a ray of sunshine every day." Luis's cousin Leonarda Flores said of her cousin "He did not care, he loved himself, and he loved others. He was very open, he loved who he was. He knew he was beautiful, he knew it and he flaunted it."

Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22

Juan was a student at the University if Central Florida and the boyfriend of Christopher Leinonen who was also killed. He worked as a telemarketer and was described by his cousin Robert Guerrero as "always being this amazing person, he was like a big brother to me. He was never the type to go out to parties, would rather stay home and care for his niece and nephew."

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36

Eric was a Puerto Rico native who had come to Florida to work his way up in his career and get a chance at having a better life. He was working in merchandise management for Ross. His former roommate described him as " always wiling to help everybody. He sacrificed himself a lot for his family. He loved his brother and he was always being generous."

Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22

Peter was known to friends as "Peter Ommy". He had attended high school in New Jersey and had been working at UPS in Orlando since 2013. He was bilingual in both Spanish and English, and had also lived in Africa. He was described as "making a difference everywhere he goes. He was a happy person. If Peter is not at the party, no one wants to go." He attended Pulse that night with his best friend Gilberto Ramon Silva Menndez who was also killed.

Luis S. Vielma, 22

Luis worked on a Harry Potter ride at Universal Studios in Orlando. His friend says "he was by far the best person I knew. He inherently made us all better people by simply existing around us. Part of him will always live on in every good decision I make."

Kimberly Morris, 37

Kimberly was known to friends as "KJ" she was a bouncer at Pulse. She had just moved to the Orlando area this spring from Hawaii to help her mother and grandmother. She attended Post University in Connecticut where she played basketball.

Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30

Eddie was an accountant who lived in downtown Orlando. He loved to eat and enjoyed working out. His mother says she woke up shortly after 2 a.m. that Sunday morning to a text message from her son reading : " Mommy I love you" followed by "In club they shooting." Eddie and his mother were able to speak for about an hour. His last messages to her read: " He has us, he;s in the bathroom with us." "He's a terror."

Darryl Roman Burt II, 29

Darryl was financial aid officer at Keiser University in Jacksonville. He was known for his colorful bow ties. Campus President Lisamarie Winslow decries Darryl as "always having a smile on his face, he was a very nice guy. He definitely leaves an impression and had a big personality and he is missed."

Christopher Leinonen, 32

Christopher was known to his friends as Drew. He was born in Detroit and earned both is bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology from the University of Central Florida. In high school he started a gay-straight alliance and had won the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award for the work he had done for the gay community.

Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32

Deonka was living in Orlando at the time, she was working at Pulse the night of the attack.

Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21

Alejandro was among the youngest victims of the attack, He was originally from Cuba.

Frank Hernandez, 27

Frankie was known to friends as Frankie. Three years ago he made the move from Louisiana to Orlando where he felt more accepted. His life philosophy was "one has no gender" which he had tattooed on his upper right arm. He was the manager for a Calvin Klein clothing store, and is described by his sister as "a really great big brother, I miss him so much already."

Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49

Brenda was described by one of her long time friends as "a fighter, She doesn't take nothing from nobody. She stuck up for her herself, for her friends and for the 12 children she raised." The night of the attack Brenda went out to dance with one of her sons. Who would later see his mother collapse to the floor after being fatally shot by gunfire. Her son however did survive the attack. She was a two time cancer survivor, and loved to dance no matter what kind of dancing. she had recently decided she wanted to be come a real estate agent and had started taking classes.

Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25

Anthony studied at the University of Sacred Heart in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He loved performing in drag as Alanis Laurell. He is described as being "an amazing performer and a beautiful person inside and out." He moved to Orlando three years ago to pursue a career and a dancer and choreographer.

Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35

Jean was originally from Puerto Rico but has been living in the U.S. since he was a teen. He worked at an Orlando Perfumania store, where he charmed Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon who would later become his longtime partner. Both died during the attack. Jean was decried by his family as "a man full of life and joy who loved his friends and family above all things."

Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33

Rodolfo was a biologics assistant at the OneBlood donation center who was very dedicated to his work. He was a native to Puerto Rico and was known among friends for his compassion. A friend described him as all about "doing things the right way," He had a passion for dancing.

Franky Jimmy Dejesus Velazquez, 50

Franky was a Puerto Rico native who was living in Orlando. He worked at Forever 21 and was also a professional Jìbaro folk dancer. His sister wrote "My brother will never die, he will always be in my heart."

Martin Benitez Torres, 33

Martin was a student at Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He had come to Orlando to spend time with his family. His cousin described him as always having a big smile and always happy.

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37

Luis grew up in Puerto Rico, he attended Pulse with his partner Jean Carlos Mendez Perez who was also killed, they had been partners for a decade. Daniel Gmys-Casiano, a friend of Luis's from Pennsylvania wrote of Luis as "a wonderful young man full of life, who endured countless days of bullying while growing up, by cruel people calling him all sorts of horrendous homophobic slurs. He was the first person on this earth I came out to, and he always protected and loved his friends. His strength and character was always an inspiration to all of us."

Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26

Mercedez was born in Queens, New York but had been living in Orlando where she attend Valencia Community College. She studied literature and worked at Target. Her father says: "I forgive the boy because I cannot take that hate in my life. My life is more important than hate, We must all come together, we must all be at peace, we must all love each other, because this hatred cannot continue for the rest of our lives." He describes his daughter as "having many dreams."

Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35

Xavier performed as a professional dancer in shows for Disney Live! He is described as "living in his truth, he was always happy even on days he wasn't." He leaves behind a young son.

Gilberto Ramon Silva Mendendez, 25

Gilberto was originally from Puerto Rico but had moved to Orlando where he was working for Speedway convenience stores. he also attended Ana G. Mendez University in Orlando where he studied health care management.

Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, 31

Simon was the general manager at McDonalds, who loved to travel. Friends say he was always saving his money so he could travel. He loved to dance and also enjoyed riding bikes and water skis. His co-workers said: "He was definitely the description of a leader, not a boss,"

Angel L. Candelario-Padro, 28

Originally from Puerto Rico, Angel had just moved to Orlando from Chicago hoping to start a new life. He started a new job at the Florida Retina Institute as an ophthalmic technician on Thursday, only a few days before the attack.

Oscar A Aracena-Montero, 26

Oscar was the partner Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, who was also killed. The two hd just purchased a home together. Oscar is decried by friends as "always happy and willing to help others. He was a great man and loved the Lord with all his heart, He was amazing."

Enrique L. Rios Jr., 25

Enrique was on vacation in Orlando. He lived in Brooklyn, New York where he attended St. Francis College to study social work. He worked at a restaurant at LaGuardia Airport and was decried by a co-worker as having "so much joy in him and was so funny, He was such a good person."

Miguel Angel Honorato, 30

Miguel was a husband and father of three children. he lived in Orlando suburb of Apopka F.L. with his family. He worked with his brother at FajitaMex Mexican Catering.

Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40

Javier was known by his friends as "Javi" he was a native to Puerto Rico who had moved to Orlando. He was working as a sale man at a Gucci store in an Orlando mall. He was described by a friend as "was always positive, He was very humble. He was a lovely friend."

Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32

Joel loved to dance and was described by family as being a "humble, cheerful, religious person who did his best to uplift people. A friend of his remembered Joel as being "the best, he was loyal. He was always trying to do stuff to make you feel better." Joel was a native to Veracruz, Mexico who had moved to Ocoee in the early 2000s. He went back to Mexico for several years to live near his parents and returned to Florida less than a year ago, and moved near Tampa. He worked trying to make money and send some back home doing construction.

Jason Benjamín Josaphat, 19

Jason an Orlando native was the second-youngest victim of the attack. His family says he was computer savvy, had a interest in photography and loved to workout. He had recently graduated high school and started his college classes. His aunt describes him as "always helpful, always willing to help someone in need,"

Cory James Connell, 21

Cory was a student at Valencia Community College and had dreams of becoming a firefighter. He was at Pulse that night with his girlfriend who was also shot but is currently in the hospital recovering. His brother describes him as "the superhero of our family. God just got the best of angels,"

Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, 37

Luis Daniel Conde, 39

Luis and Juan were partners who owned a salon and spa together for a decade. They are described as "both exceptional people, they were always helping each other." A friend wrote of them on Facebook: "Se fueron juntos como la pareja que son," — meaning "they left together like the couple that they are."

Shane Evan Tomlinson, 33

Shane is described by his friends as fine "vibrant and charismatic lead vocalist for his band Frequency, who performed at night clubs and weddings. He graduated in 2003 from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. with a bachelor's degree in communications. He was living in Orlando, and was popular for being an energetic, sharp dressed lead man who was always belting out hit songs.

Juan Chevez-Martinez, 25

Juan was a native to Huichapan, Mexico who had been living in Davenport. He worked for APDC Services where he was a housekeeping supervisor. His colleagues remembered him as being "kind and loving person, extremely dedicated, hard worker, He was extremely friendly, very dedicated to his family, to his co-workers. … It is very difficult. Everybody loved him.”

Jerald Arthur Wright, 31

Jerald was a seasonal employee for Walt Disney World who worked in merchandising on Main Street in Magic Kingdom. He went to Pulse that night to celebrate the 21st birthday of his friend, Cory James Connell who was also killed. A former co-worked remembered Jerald as ""He was one of the kindest people you could meet. We had students from the London program … and Jerry was always willing to give rides to them and show them around town." He went to college at Florida International University.

Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25

Leroy is remembered as a being a natural performer who was always dressing up and dancing to moves which he choreographed while belting out hit songs for his audiences. He worked as a leasing agent at Auvers Village Apartments in Orlando. His manager remembers him as "always filling our office with music. He sang Adele in the office until we couldn't take it anymore. It just feels very quiet, now"

Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25

Tevin was known for his determination, good attitude and hard work. He was a successful, and dedicated young business owner from Michigan. He ran a marketing firm, named Total Entrepreneurs Concepts. His brother describes him as "very ambitious," Chavis said. Whatever goal he had in mind, he worked hard. Whether alone or on a team, he worked on that goal.He was definitely a good person and a good brother to me. He was a native to Statesville, North Carolina

Amanda Alvear, 25

Amanda was a nursing student at the University of South Florida. She attend Pulse that night with her best friend Mercedz Marisol Flores who was also among those killed. Her older brother describes her as someone who "wouldn't want anyone to spread hate for her. She'd rather they spread more love, keep friends and family close and have a good time doing it."

Antonio Davon Brown, 29

Antonio was a U.S. Army Reserve officer who served as captain. He was originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida. He attended Florida Agricultural and Memorial University where he was a criminal justice major and a member of ROTC. He is remembered by a friend as: Antonio saved my life when no one else could be bothered to care,"

.Paul Terrell Henry, 41

Paul was a native to Chicago who loved to dance and have fun. He enjoyed spending time playing pool, and loved his family dearly, including his two children. His daughter, Alexia recently graduated high school His boyfriend says of Paul: "I miss him. I love him, I took care of him, and he took care of me. Such a loving spirit. I'll always have him in my heart." He says he will always remember his boyfriend's smile.

Akyra Monet Murray, 18

Akyra was the youngest victim of the attack. She was a top student and basketball player at her high school in Philadelphia. She was celebrating her high school graduation with a trip to Orlando. She graduated only last week at third in her class and had also led her basketball teal in scoring the past two seasons. She signed to continue playing basketball with Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania. Her former principle remembers her as "always carrying herself with such dignity. She's going to be missed immensely."

Geraldo A. Ortiz-Jimenez, 25

Geraldo was a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and was known among friends as Drake Ortiz. During his lifetime he also lived in Puerto Rico, and was currently residing in Orlando.

Jean C. Nieves Rodriguez, 27

Jean is remembered by friends as being "a caring, loving guy — just like a big teddy bear." He had just bought his first home only a moth ago, he wanted his mom to have somewhere nice to live. He started working at a McDonald's when he was only 15 and within a few years had become a manager. Recently he had become a general manager of a check-cashing store. He was a Puerto Rico native who loved cars and going to the beach. He always had his family and friends as number one in his heart. His sister describes him as "caring more about others than about himself, Whatever you needed, you could count on him, Whatever the situation was, good or bad, he was with me. He was a friend. He was family. He was a brother. And it didn't matter the time. If you called him and you needed help, he'd be there."

Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24

Christopher is remembered by a former classmate as "the most positive guy I've ever known." He worked as a bank employee in Tampa. A close friend speaks of him as "a wonderful person and this is such a tragedy. He was cut down in his prime."

Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24

Yilmary was known to friends as Mary, she was from Ponce, Puerto Rico but had been living in Orlando. She was a wife and mother of two young sons. She attended Pulse with her brother-in-law, William Sabad Borges who was shot in the back twice but survived and friend Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega.

Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, 24

Jonathan a Puerto Rico native worked on the show La Voz Kids which was produced in Orlando for Telemundo. He was also a member of the National Association of Hispanic Jurnalists. He died trying to save his friend Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan.

My heart breaks for the lives lost on that dreadful Sunday morning, may God give these families the strength to face the unbearable, and give those around them the courage to unit and be of comfort and support to those hurting. Most of all may he bless the lives of those we lost, and bring this country we love so dearly together in this time of heartache. #PrayForOrlando