As the sun set over the nation’s capital on Saturday evening, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge came to life in a vibrant hue of orange an illuminating symbol that marked the start of National Gun Violence Awareness Month. The city joined a growing national movement by lighting the bridge to honor victims, support survivors, and demand change in the ongoing fight against gun violence in the United States.
The lighting event is part of the nationwide #WearOrange campaign, which began in 2015 in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old high school student from Chicago who was shot and killed just days after performing at President Obama’s second inaugural parade. Since then, orange has become the color of the gun safety movement, chosen for its visibility and its use by hunters to protect themselves and others—a symbol of valuing life.
A Citywide Symbol of Solidarity
In D.C., the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge served as a glowing centerpiece of awareness, casting its orange light across the Anacostia River and into the hearts of residents and visitors alike. This symbolic act isn’t just a local gesture it’s part of a nationwide initiative during the first weekend of June, known as Wear Orange Weekend, where landmarks, buildings, and community centers across the U.S. are bathed in orange to shine a light on the epidemic of gun violence.
“It’s a powerful visual reminder that this is a public health crisis,” said one community organizer attending the bridge lighting event. “The color orange unites people across the political spectrum. It’s a call for common-sense solutions to save lives.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 48,000 people died from gun-related injuries in the U.S. in 2022 alone—a number that includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. Gun violence remains one of the leading causes of death among children and teens in America.
The History Behind the Movement
National Gun Violence Awareness Month began with the tragic loss of Hadiya Pendleton, whose life was cut short just a week after she turned 15. Her friends and classmates honored her by wearing orange—the same color used by hunters in the woods to alert others not to shoot. That single gesture grew into a national movement that has now reached every corner of the country.
June 6 is recognized annually as National Gun Violence Awareness Day, with events stretching throughout the weekend to promote community activism, educational outreach, and policy discussions. From marches to vigils to citywide lighting events like the one in D.C., Americans are coming together to amplify a shared message: enough is enough.
Public Support and Government Response
Washington, D.C. is no stranger to the impact of gun violence. Local officials say community programs and violence prevention efforts are ongoing, but more resources are needed. The District’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention has been collaborating with neighborhoods most affected by shootings, aiming to reduce firearm-related crimes and support at-risk individuals.
The U.S. Department of Justice also recognizes the need for local and federal coordination to address this national issue. In recent years, federal grants and support have been channeled toward community-based violence intervention programs, designed to interrupt cycles of violence before they escalate.
(Read more on national efforts at the U.S. Department of Justice)
More Than Just a Hashtag
The #WearOrange movement has become more than just a visual campaign—it’s now a rallying cry for gun safety reform and community healing. Activists, survivors, celebrities, and lawmakers are all using their platforms to advocate for stricter background checks, safe storage laws, red flag policies, and investments in mental health services.
Organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action, and Students Demand Action continue to drive awareness through social media, petitions, and local events. This year, thousands are expected to participate in orange-themed community walks, voter registration drives, art exhibits, and public forums during the month of June.
The lighting of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in D.C. is just one example of how cities across America are turning their landmarks into beacons of advocacy. With gun violence touching families in every zip code, the message behind the orange lights is clear: awareness is just the beginning, and action must follow.
