Pain & Hope in the Midst of Gun Violence

Have you ever attended an event that was both gut-wrenching and uplifting at the same time?  In December I participated in the 10th Annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence, held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C.

The vigil’s purpose is found in its name: remembering all who are victims of gun violence, including the dead, the wounded, the grieving families, the communities, indeed all of us.  Attendance was several hundred people, including scores who have been intimately touched by gun violence, but also including many whose life commitment is striving to reduce violence.

A crowd honors victims of gun violence in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C. (Bob Tiller)

Fervent calls to prayer and action were offered by an interfaith clergy group: a Protestant, a Muslim, and a Jew.  Testimonials were given by a gunshot survivor, an emergency room physician, the son of a woman slain in the Buffalo massacre, the mother of a suicide, and the parents of a child killed in Uvalde, Texas.  Members of Congress involved in crafting last summer’s successful legislation spoke about what they were able to accomplish and the challenges ahead.  Several young people spoke, including survivors of school shootings.  

Each of the speakers had a powerful and eloquent message of both pain and hope.  Mournful and commemorative music was woven throughout the event.  Family members stood and said the names of their loved ones who died by gunshot.  Vigil participants were honored that both President Joe Biden and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi took time from their busy schedules to come and offer comfort, thanks and encouragement to all of us.  The service closed with candle-lighting and a commitment by every attendee to both honor gun violence victims and to create a nation with far less violence.

The annual event is held each December in Washington, D.C.  It is free and open to the public, though an advance ticket is required.