Friday, June 7th was the 10th National Gun Violence Awareness Day ( Everytown for Gun Safety ).
That evening, twenty community members clad in orange t-shirts, gathered around St. Charles City Hall to honor victims of gun violence and to call for action to prevent further tragedies.
“Wear Orange is more than a color; it’s a statement of our resilience and determination to end gun violence in our communities,” Robertson said. “Our hearts go out to victims and their families, and we owe it to them to make meaningful, common-sense changes that are supported by the majority of our community.”
The event also provided a platform for community building and collaboration among various organizations and influencers dedicated to finding solutions to gun violence. Robertson highlighted the collective responsibility to support common-sense gun safety legislation and the urgent need for action.
“Gun violence is not only tragic; it is avoidable,” Robertson said. “We must all stand up and support measures that can save lives. Together, we can create a safer environment for our children and families.”
When people who care about a cause get together–what do they want to do? To advocate for their cause and to reach out to new supporters.
So, we joined together to turn our mourning for victims of gun violence into advocacy for common-sense gun safety. We raised signs reading Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, We Can End Gun Violence, Gun Sense Voter, and Disarm Hate. As we showed our colors and signs at the City Hall, many drivers on Main Street honked and waved enthusiastically to show support.
Public officials in attendance included: Lora Vitek (St. Charles Mayor), Jayme Muenz (City Council, Alderperson Ward 2), Becky McCabe (D303 School Board), Ricky Rivard (Candidate for Kane County Board, District 12), Randi Olson (Candidate for the 70th General Assembly District for State Representative) and James Flanigan (St. Charles Township Trustee) and Linda Robertson (candidate for Illinois House District 65).
The St. Charles Wear Orange event underscores the importance of unity and action in addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our nation today. It is a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to achieve meaningful change. Join us in our advocacy for safer, healthier communities.
