06/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/05/2025 12:48
The City Encourages Residents to Wear Orange on June 6 in Recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day
SAVANNAH - The City of Savannah is joining communities across the country in recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day by encouraging all residents to wear orange on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Now in its 11th year, National Gun Violence Awareness Day is part of the nationwide Wear Orange campaign, which honors the lives lost to gun violence and highlights a collective commitment to ending the crisis. The day was established in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old student from Chicago who was tragically shot and killed just one week after performing at President Barack Obama's second inauguration parade. Orange-Hadiya's favorite color-has since become the unifying symbol of the movement.
"As a nation and as a city, we cannot continue to normalize the tragedy of lives lost to senseless gun violence," said Mayor Van R. Johnson II. "Every bullet shatters more than glass or walls - it shatters families, communities, and futures. By wearing orange, we are standing in solidarity with survivors, honoring those we have lost, and affirming our shared belief that we all deserve to be safe - at school, at work, at worship, and in our own neighborhoods."
The City of Savannah remains committed to promoting responsible gun ownership, supporting community-based violence prevention efforts, and advocating for common-sense legislation to reduce gun-related harm. City leaders continue to work alongside local, state, and national partners to create safer communities for all Savannahians.
Residents are encouraged to show their support by wearing orange and sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #WearOrangeSavannah.
To learn more about National Gun Violence Awareness Day and the Wear Orange movement, visit wearorange.org .
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