Morristown area moms attempted to sugar-coat their message to Congress on Tuesday night: They want legislation to require background checks on all gun purchases.
“We want to remind them we’re here,” said Shannon Scilla of the local chapter of Moms Demand Action!, at a free lemonade stand set up on South Street in front of the Vail Mansion.
Similar events have been held elsewhere in New Jersey; another lemonade stand is scheduled for Aug. 20, 2013, outside the Vail Mansion, Shannon said.
Mothers handed out pamphlets along with lemonade on Tuesday. They urged the public to press lawmakers to support broad background checks, which the Senate declined to approve in April.
The moms’ movement began in response to the December massacre of 26 children and teachers in Newtown, CT.
Their effort continues because nearly eight children are killed by guns every day in the U.S., Shannon said.
“It’s only a matter of time before something else happens. These types of things remind people to take action,” said Shannon.
The Morris Area Committee to Reduce Gun Violence has become part of Moms Demand Action!
Photos by Bill Lescohier
