Friday, Dec. 14, marked the sixth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. Since that day, we have seen an ever-increasing rise in incidents of gun violence at schools and mass shootings in this nation. As we reflect this holiday season, let us honor all victims of gun violence by turning tragedy into transformation. 

More and more people are uniting to bring the change we need. The phones in Congress are ringing off the hook with calls for common sense gun reform. Peaceful rallies are growing in cities across the country. Families and friends are gathering together in their own living rooms to talk about bringing violence prevention programs to schools so we can identify the signs and signals before a shooting might happen and intervene to get help.

The movement is growing, and we must keep the momentum. 

As a Sandy Hook Promise Leader, I am asking everyone to take three simple actions today. First, call your member of Congress to ask that he/she supports keeping guns out of dangerous hands. Second, “Know the Signs” to prevent gun violence at sandyhookpromise.org. Third, “Make the Promise” at www.sandyhookpromise.org/promise to truly honor victims by turning tragedy into transformation. 

#LoveWins

Kathleen O’Reilly-Wild

East Lyme