Driscoll Declares June 2 Gun Violence Awareness Day in Salem

SALEM, MA—Gun violence fills headlines across the globe on a regular basis, and many Americans have or know someone who has been affected by gun violence.

In an effort to honor victims and survivors of gun violence and declare that more must be done to reduce gun violence, Salem Mayor Kimberly Driscoll declared June 2 Gun Violence Awareness Day in Salem Wednesday. Driscoll asked residents to wear orange on June 2 to raise awareness about gun violence, as well as support efforts to prevent gun violence. 

“As a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, an organization of over 1,000 Mayors from around the United States, I believe it past time for Congressional leaders to take action on this growing crisis,” said Driscoll in a statement. “No community is immune from gun violence. As long as the proliferation of illegal guns continues unchecked and unregulated, there can be no end to this national problem. For the sake of our neighborhoods and our children, I encourage Congress to do the right thing and act.”

In the declaration, it was noted that June 2 would have been the 19th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teen who was shot and killed in Chicago after taking her final exams. Pendleton marched in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade just weeks before her death. 

Residents are urged to wear orange because orange is the color Hadiya's friends chose to wear to remember her life, according to Wear Orange. 

“Mayors across the U.S. fight to keep their communities safe every day – so it’s no surprise they’re stepping up once again for National Gun Violence Awareness Day,” said John Feinblatt in a statement, who is the president of Everytown for Gun Safety and board member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. “We’re grateful to all the mayors who’ve declared they’ll Wear Orange on June 2nd, and we look forward to even more Americans sharing the message of gun safety and responsibility along with us.”

You can find a Wear Orange event by clicking here. 

• Photo Credit: Wear Orange via Youtube