National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Pastors, city officials, and other Chattanooga community leaders gathered on the steps of city hall this morning to commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

The occasion originated when 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton of Chicago was killed just days after performing at former President Obama’s second inauguration.

It is now observed nationally on the first Friday in June.

Mona Moss shares her loss to gun violence.

“I lost my son back in 2013, my one and only son. So it’s coming up on eight years later. For me it is very important because something has to stop. Gun violence has to stop. My son was only 19, he was just beginning. Got a great job, he was just starting his life.”

City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod and Mayor Tim Kelly were among the featured speakers for the event.