Mich. moms to honor Newtown anniversary on Saturday

Moms in Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids areas to join at events

DETROIT – Moms are expected to gather at over 50 events in more than 35 states to honor the victims of the tragedy in Newtown and those lost to gun violence every year.

Organizers said all events, co-sponsored by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, will include a communal bell-ringing to remember the victims and to show their resolve to never again be silent about gun violence.

In Detroit, Wanda Olugbala from Moms Demand Action and Sandra Pearson from Organizing for Action, Mr. Lamar Phillips, Detroit Merit Academy and Ben Will, Newtown Branches will talk about the need to reduce gun violence.

"The tragedy at Sandy Hook was a wake-up call for many of us and we can no longer be silent about our nation's raging epidemic of gun violence," said Linda Brundage, Chapter Leader for the Michigan Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "Nearly eight children and teens are shot and killed everyday in America. It is time our voices are heard."

Moms in Lansing and Grand Rapids will also honor the Newtown victims and all victims of gun violence through bell ringing in lieu of a moment of silence.

"What happened at Sandy Hook Elementary was an unimaginable tragedy for my family, and the families of all of the victims," said Maura Sherlach Schwartz, a national spokesperson for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and daughter of Mary Sherlach, a school psychologist shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary. "It was also a shattering wake-up call for millions of mothers across America. I am proud to be part of this powerful grassroots movement working to combat the national epidemic of gun violence that claims the lives of nearly eight children or teens every day."

In the week leading up to the anniversary, members of Moms Demand Action said they engaged in a week of action, during which they called on Congress to enact reforms, such as comprehensive background checks for gun purchases.

"American moms will never forget the victims lost at Sandy Hook nor the countless other victims lost everyday all over the country to gun violence. In one year we have seen successes as a result of our voices and we will not stop until all of our children, families, and communities are safe from gun violence," said Brundage.

Detroit's event will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Spirit of Detroit at 1 Woodward Avenue.

A full list of events and more information can be viewed here.

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