National Gun Violence Awareness and Wear Orange Day, June 2nd, 2016

On June 2nd, Fanwood was one of two towns in New Jersey that hosted a National Gun Violence Awareness Day event. One of many events held nationwide, it is sponsored by the organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. A grassroots movement of American mothers fighting for public safety measures that respect the Second Amendment and protect people from gun violence.
The local chapter, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense Union County, is led by Scotch Plains resident Lauren O’Brien. It has over 200 active members from all over Union County and 9 county leaders. Many are from Scotch Plains-Fanwood and neighboring towns.
Lauren recalls “I personally got involved because ever since Columbine, I have viewed school shootings as the greatest tragedy we can possibly face in this country. I will never accept America’s children and teachers going through active shooter drills as normal. I also am propelled to action so we can feel safe again in churches, cinemas, malls, nightclubs, gas stations, college campuses and 1st grade classrooms.
“What’s next for Moms Demand Action is an active response to the tragedy in Orlando – beyond tweets, Facebook comments, vigils, and condolences. We need a lot more than people’s thoughts and prayers to make change.
For more information about what you can do to be safe in your home, or on joining, volunteering with the local chapter or donating, visit momsdemandaction.org, or visit their Facebook page: facebook.com/MomsDemandAction. Twelve of the 21 town mayors in Union County proclaimed June 2nd as National Gun Violence Awareness day. The Fanwood event had an overflowing crowd and was attended by many Union County mayors, council members, and other officials.
Downtown Fanwood was filled with orange balloons and shopping bags, and many people wore orange in support, during the Chamber of Commerce Ladies Night Out event that was happening simultaneously across town.
The group supports wearing orange to honor all lives cut short by gun violence because orange is the color hunters wear to keep safe in the woods from other shooters.