Why wear orange?

SANDUSKY — Even though orange isn't a primary color, there's an essential reason why several community members plan on wearing the color this weekend. They hope, by doing so, it spills over onto others, encouraging them to follow suit with both their vibrant wardrobe choice and this shade's symbolism. "Every year, on the first Friday in June, members of our movement come together to honor survivors of gun violence and demand a future free from this crisis," according to a statement from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. The fund "is the education, research and litigation arm of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country," it read. "We build awareness about the complexities of gun violence in America so that every person — policymakers, volunteers, cultural influencers, business leaders and more — can learn about the issues and become part of the solutions." It's a stance supported by many locals, including those who put on events through the Sandusky-based Center for Peace Through Understanding, which raises awareness for many social causes and promotes equality among all people. Those affiliated with the nonprofit ask people to wear orange clothing beginning on Friday through Sunday. "Moms, students, veterans, survivors and others wear orange throughout the weekend to show their support in every state across the country," the statement read. "Make sure you're ready to join us, June 2-4, for this year's National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend," it continued. History lesson The statement provided some additional backstory into the event's purpose and reasoning for wearing orange: Wear Orange originated on June 2, 2015, on what would have been Hadiya Pendleton's 18th birthday. Just one week after performing at President Obama's second inaugural parade, in 2013, she was shot and killed at the age of 15. In the aftermath, teenagers in Chicago who wanted to honor their friend wore orange to raise awareness around gun violence. Why orange? Orange is the color hunters wear to signal to other hunters not to shoot them. So the color orange was selected to signal that wearers do not want to be the next victim of gun violence. Not only are they saying, "Don't shoot me," but they are standing up against gun violence and advocating for laws that promote gun safety. Today, Wear Orange honors Hadiya and the more than 110 people shot and killed every day in the U.S. as well as the hundreds more who are wounded. Thank you for being a part of this movement. We can't wait to see you wearing orange in June.