April 16, 2008 was the first anniversary of the mass shooting at Virginia Tech. Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence joined with students at the University of Southern Maine in our second National Lie-In. More than 70 such events were held throughout the country in 32 states. Thanks to Elisabeth Altshuler, Lael Bolduc, Brendan Cassidy, and Caleb Richards for their assistance that made the event possible. The video below was filmed and edited by Caleb and Brendan, with original music composed by Caleb.
USM Students Reflect on Virginia Tech Lives Lost
On Tuesday, August 28, 2007, 32 people joined Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence for an event in response to the National Day of Protest Against Illegal Guns. Participants came from all walks of life - senior citizens, a six year old girl, activists from The League of Young Voters and Peace Action Maine, a former Portland mayor, MCAHV board members, people who have been personally affected by gun violence and those who have not, all sharing the belief that we each have a responsibility to do something about gun violence in our state and country.
We came together at a little before noon and at 12 o'clock we each laid down to represent one of the 32 people who are murdered by guns in this country each year, and one of the students or teachers killed on April 16, 2007 at Virginia Tech. We held signs which collectively read, "32 people are murdered by guns every day in the U.S. Guns bought in Maine kill kids in other states. Demand stronger gun laws."
Our action was inspired by Abby Spangler of ProtestEasyGuns.com. Thanks to Abby for her support; visit her website to learn about similar events held around the country.
Thanks to Lily VanDerSteenhoven for her assistance in bringing this event together.
Thanks to Abraham Schechter from the Portland Room of the Portland Public Library for his great photographs from above, and to Cathie Whittenburg for photos from the ground.
Thanks to Mitchell Murdock of Peaks Island for the YouTube video below of the event!
Finally, thanks to all of the people who took time out from their busy days to do something about gun violence.
