Rally In Support Of Gun Reform Attended By Mendham Committee Member

MENDHAM, NJ — Amalia Duarte, a Mendham Township Committeewoman, attended one of eight gun control rallies held in New Jersey over the weekend as part of a nationwide movement organized by Moms Demand Action.

The "Mother's Day of Action" rally took place on Saturday, May 13, and instead of traditional Mother's Day gifts like cards and flowers, those who gathered in Morristown only had one wish: for Congress to reinstate the assault weapons ban.

Duarte assisted in organizing the rally and spoke publicly not only as a Mendham Township Committeewoman but also as the Chair of the Morris County Democratic Committee and, most importantly, as a mother.

"I am also, as of two weeks ago, a great aunt." When I saw the first photo of my niece’s newborn son, I thought about the world we are creating for him and the next generation," Duarte said. "I don’t want him to grow up hiding at school during active shooter drills. That's why I am involved in this issue for our kids and the next generation. We can do more."

According to the Moms Demand Action website, the Morristown gun control rally was one of eight held in New Jersey this past weekend.

The gathering was nonpartisan and open to anyone who shares the Moms Demand Action goal of stricter gun safety measures in America, officials said.

"Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and that is heartbreaking. I encourage people to get involved with any organization that is working to reduce gun violence. This should be a bipartisan issue to keep our kids, schools and communities safe," Duarte said. "We shouldn’t be fearful in our daily lives – while watching a parade, shopping at a grocery store, or sitting in a classroom."

The rally was held on Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m. in front of Morristown Town Hall and speakers ranged from gun violence survivors to local political leaders.

The most moving part of the rally, according to Duarte, was listening to a gun violence survivor, Tiffany Starr, speak about the night her father was murdered by her sister's ex-boyfriend.

Starr's father was shot and killed while protecting her sister, mother, and herself.

"Tiffany’s bravery in telling her story was incredible, and it brought home the need for us to get these weapons of war off the streets," Duarte said.

Moms Demand Action is a nonpartisan grassroots movement of Americans working to prevent gun violence. It was founded by Shannon Watts, a mother, in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Since its inception, Moms Demand Action has grown in popularity and now has chapters in almost every state.

"We need our elected officials to take action to reduce gun violence and pass common-sense gun safety laws," Duarte said.