Youth activists Bring « March for Our Lives » to Brussels for US gun reform
Democrats Abroad is the official Democratic Party arm for the millions of Americans living outside the United States, and on saturday, they will Join in a Rally on Saturday for US gun control
Democrats Abroad will join a diverse cross-section of American students and Belgian residents to demand stronger U.S. gun legislation this Saturday, March 24, at 3 p.m. in Brussels’ Place de la Monnaie. The rally, March for Our Lives, is a sister event to those demonstrations happening in Washington, D.C., and in more than 800 other cities worldwide.
Miles Herszenhorn, a 15-year old high school student from the U.S. currently living in Brussels, is a lead organizer of the event. He is concerned for the safety of his five school-aged cousins living in America, and commented:
“People everywhere are dismayed by gun violence in the U.S. Students around the globe recognize that everyone should feel safe in school, and I hope we send a strong message to American students: The international community hears you and supports you.”
Since the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, which left 17 dead, Democrats Abroad Belgium has been contacted by members and non-members alike who are interested in taking action. They want to express solidarity with the student activists who continue to call for stronger gun legislation. As thousands are preparing to march in Washington and across America this weekend, many believe that U.S. public opinion on gun control has, finally, reached a tipping point.
Pauline Manos, Chair of Democrats Abroad Belgium, said the following:
“Gun control in the U.S. is a non-partisan issue that affects us all. As a mother about to send her son to the U.S. on a study-abroad program, I can’t help but be concerned for his safety. Yet I’m also inspired by these young student activists, who for the first time are presenting a credible challenge to the power of the National Rifle Association. The NRA has blocked sensible gun reform for years, but Democrats Abroad is working hard to register U.S. citizens abroad to vote out the NRA-funded members of Congress in this year’s midterm elections.”
Gun control is among the many issues expected to influence the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. American citizens who are at least 18 years old as of Election Day (November 6, 2018 for most elections) can exercise their support for sensible gun legislation.
Herszenhorn reports a great deal of interest in the rally among his peers, who believe that change is long overdue. He added:
“I feel very lucky to live in Belgium. American kids shouldn’t have to move abroad to feel safe in school.”
Herszenhorn, as well as spokespersons for Democrats Abroad, will be available for comment on Saturday in Place de la Monnaie
