On Thursday, June 1, the Morrison Bridge will be lit orange from dusk until dawn in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day, which officially falls on Friday, June 2. The bridge will join other landmarks across the country that will be illuminated in orange to raise awareness of the movement to work toward a future free of gun violence.
This year marks the ninth annual observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Day and its accompanying #WearOrange Weekend when community members commemorate lives lost to gun violence. On average, 120 people are shot and killed, and hundreds more wounded, every day in the country. The toll of gun violence includes both homicides and suicides.
While we continue to feel the impacts of gun violence here in Multnomah County, the prevalence of firearm-related fatalities and injuries is an issue that affects everyone in this country, regardless of where they live. By wearing orange, we can show our support for those who have been impacted by gun violence, as well as our commitment to preventing further gun-related harm.