Rally Against Gun Violence Planned In Chatham By Morris Co. Moms

CHATHAM, NJ — Residents in Morris County will paint downtown Chatham orange to raise awareness about gun violence in light of recent tragedies.

Morris County Moms Demand Action invites everyone to join them at a community event to remember the countless lives lost to gun violence and to hear from survivor speakers. The rally will take place on Saturday, June 4 from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 17 Firehouse Plaza in Chatham.

"We will wear orange to honor victims and survivors of gun violence and raise awareness of this crisis that takes the lives of over 110 Americans every day," said event organizers.

As the rally begins, volunteers will be on hand to greet visitors. Following the presentations, local businesses will be given orange ribbons and placards, which will be used to turn Chatham orange. This remembrance day will also include information on safe firearm storage.

Moms Demand Action is a nonpartisan grassroots movement of Americans fighting for gun violence prevention measures. Shannon Watts, a mother, founded it in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

"We pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. We also work in our own communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership. We know that gun violence is preventable, and we’re committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe," Moms Demand Action said.

Since its inception, the organization has grown in popularity and now has chapters in almost every state. "The online conversation has turned into a movement of moms, dads, students, families, concerned citizens and survivors working together with our partners in the gun violence prevention movement to end this uniquely American crisis," said the organization's Facebook page.

The rally is being held in response to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which killed 19 children and two teachers. The shooting at Uvalde's Robb Elementary School comes just weeks after a teen gunman killed ten people and injured three others in a Buffalo supermarket.

To register for the rally, go to https://forms.everytown.org/.../nj-morris-county-chatham.

"We cannot become numb to the tragedies we witness daily. We don't have to live like this, and we don't have to die like this. It is time to hold our elected officials accountable for their inaction," said the organization.