Congress Backs June 6th as 'National Gun Violence Awareness Day,' Citing 46,000 Annual Deaths

This resolution is Congress’s way of saying, officially, that gun violence in the U.S. is a major crisis that needs national attention. It formally expresses support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." Essentially, this is a symbolic move to put the issue front and center, backed by some sobering statistics.

The Scale of the Crisis: A Look at the Numbers

This isn't just about making a symbolic date; the resolution grounds its support in the sheer scale of the problem. According to the text, nearly 46,000 people are killed and 97,000 are wounded by gunfire every year in the U.S. To put that into perspective, the resolution points out that since 1968, more Americans have died from guns than in all U.S. wars combined. For those of us juggling work and family, these numbers are a stark reminder that this isn't an abstract political issue—it’s a massive public health concern that touches communities everywhere.

Remembering the Victims and Calling for Action

The resolution specifically recognizes the tragic story of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old killed in 2013, and encourages the public to wear orange on June 6th to honor her and all victims. The symbolism of wearing orange, the color hunters wear for safety, is meant to show solidarity and promote gun safety awareness. This is the practical ask of the resolution: it calls on community members and leaders to increase awareness and talk about practical ways to make local areas safer. Think of it as a national push to move gun safety conversations from the political arena to the kitchen table and the neighborhood watch meeting.

Who This Affects and How

Since this is a resolution, it doesn't change any laws, allocate any funds, or impose new regulations on firearms or commerce. Instead, its impact is entirely focused on awareness and commemoration. For victims and survivors of gun violence, this designation offers formal recognition and remembrance. For public health advocates, it provides a national, officially recognized platform to amplify their message. For the rest of us, it’s a clear signal from Congress that this issue warrants serious attention, encouraging local dialogue on gun safety and prevention efforts that could potentially save lives in our own neighborhoods. It’s a call to action, even if the action itself is non-legislative.