Community Corner

Newtown Anniversary Vigil Being Held Saturday in Western Springs

The vigil will take place at 8:35 a.m. outside the water tower.

The following is a release from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America-Illinois:

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America-Illinois will host three memorial events on Saturday, Dec. 14, in honor of the 20 children and six adults murdered one year ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. 

These vigils, called “No More Silence,” will send a clear message that it’s time to make noise about gun reform. Moms in Chicago, Springfield and the western suburbs will honor the Newtown victims and all victims of gun violence through bell ringing in lieu of a moment of silence.  One of these events will take place at Cornell Square Park, the location of the mass shooting that occurred this year, injuring thirteen people including a three year old.

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Saturday, December 14, 2013

8:35 a.m. — Western Springs Historical Society, Western Springs

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11 a.m. — Cornell Square Park, Chicago

5 p.m. — Old State Capital Plaza, Springfield

These events will be sponsored by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in Amercia, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, and over fifteen other gun violence prevention groups throughout the State. The events will include speakers, reading of the names and a communal bell ringing to honor the 26 victims killed in Newtown.  Nationally, there will be more than 50 “No More Silence” events in 35 states. A full list of events is available here

“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 Stephanie Gordon, leader of the Illinois 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.”

“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 addition, Moms Demand Action has partnered with Mayors Against Illegal Guns to develop an ad, “No More Silence,” which will premiere this week on cable news networks. The ad is a commentary on the need for continued indignation among Americans at the inaction of Congress, and was created by the Toronto office of GREY advertising. The ad can be viewed here:

In the week leading up to the anniversary, members of Moms Demand Action will engage in a week of action, during which they will call on Congress to immediately enact common-sense reforms such as comprehensive background checks for gun purchases.

Sunday, Dec. 15, will mark the one-year anniversary of Moms Demand Action, which was founded one day after the mass shooting in Newtown. In just 12 months, Moms Demand Action has more than 125,000 members with a chapter in every state. The grassroots movement’s members have been instrumental in securing significant legislative victories at the state and local levels, including the passage of strong new gun laws in California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Moms Demand Action also has been active in supporting candidates with gun sense, including endorsements for Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Virginia Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe.

Moms Demand Action also successfully convinced Starbucks to change its policy allowing guns inside its stores. In September, Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz announced, “Guns are no longer welcome at Starbucks.” Moms Demand Action is continuing to push for gun sense policies at American businesses and institutions, including Staples and other retailers.

“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 Gordon.


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