Gun Violence Awareness Day Recognized In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Approximately 100 people are killed or injured daily in the United States as a result of gun violence, according to statistics.

In recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day on June 4, Washington Township Mayor Matt Murello and members of Washington Township’s Committee presented a proclamation marking the day at their most recent meeting.

A group of residents dressed in orange at the meeting — the awareness-raising color to remember both victims and survivors of gun violence — received the proclamation, which described a mayor’s balance and role in both “protecting public safety in the communities they serve” while supporting “the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens” and “keeping guns away from people with dangerous histories.”

“It was my pleasure to present a Proclamation at our last Committee meeting to our local group recognizing this day in Washington Township,” Murello said.

“Mayors and law enforcement officers know their communities best, are the most familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it; and are best positioned to understand how to keep their citizens safe,” the proclamation also read.

The proclamation outlined the history of the day, declared across the country for the birthday of 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was born on June 2, 1997; and died from an act of gun violence in 2013.

As part of the day’s history, the first Friday of every June has been designated National Gun Violence Awareness Day, with those who remember victims and survivors wearing orange, as they did after Pendleton was killed.

“We wish to renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands; and encourage responsible gun ownership, to help keep our children safe,” Washington Township’s proclamation stated.

Questions or comments about this story? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.