Whereas, We honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence, especially those affected by the tragedies at Michigan State University, as well as Oxford High School; and
Whereas, The effects of gun violence in the United States is pervasive and all-encompassing on every community; and
Whereas, Since 1968, more individuals have died from guns in the United States than have died in the battlefields of all the wars in United States’ history; and
Whereas, In 2024, over 17,000 Americans have already lost their lives to gun violence, including nearly 100 children under the age of 11; and
Whereas, June 2, 2024, will mark the 27th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager who marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade and was tragically shot and killed just three weeks later; and
Whereas, Following Hadiya’s death, her friends and classmates organized the “Wear Orange” movement to honor her life and all those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence. Today, orange is nationally recognized as the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement; and
Whereas, By wearing orange and commemorating National Gun Violence Awareness Month, Americans will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives and lost human potential of Americans stolen by gun violence; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate June 2024 as Gun Violence Awareness Month; and be it further
Resolved, That we encourage all citizens to support their communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human life.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Adopted in the Senate by voice vote