By Renee Larr
With Mayor Jim Brainard recently proclaiming June 2 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Carmel, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is hosting a free event June 3 at Founders Park to bring attention to their cause.
“We’re not just moms. We like to say it’s mothers and others. We have men in the group, too,” said Patricia Rettig, a member of the group. “We’re organizing the Wear Orange event for Hamilton and Boone Counties this year. It’s a nationwide event. We’re choosing to host a very peaceful free beginning yoga session.”
The family-friendly event begins at 11 a.m. at Founders Park, 11675 Hazel Dell Pkwy. Participants are encouraged to wear orange and take selfies using the hashtag #wearorange to show their support for an end to gun violence.
“The whole campaign originated in Chicago and was inspired by friends of a 15-year-old girl named Hadiya Pendleton. She was killed by gunfire in 2013,” Rettig said. “On what would have been her 18th birthday on June 2, 2015, a bunch of her friends, family and organizations got together to honor her so that her life was not forgotten. They chose to wear orange because it’s the color hunters wear to stay safe and protect themselves.”
Kids will also be able to participate while creating artwork.
“We’re going to have activities for kids to do including sidewalk chalk,” Rettig said. “We want them to create their own pictures, designs and messages of peace. We encourage people to join in.”
To RSVP visit http://act.everytown.org/event/wear-orange-2017_attend/6231.
