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"Each day, 12 children die from gun violence," Tammey Aichner, executive director of United Churches of Lycoming County, said. "Firearms deaths occur at a rate five times that of drownings."
Community members joined together at St. Mark's Lutheran Church to mourn the victims of gun violence nationally and to pray that Americans would find the resolve to address the tragedies. The service began in the church's chapel and concluded with a short walk to the Market Street bridge.
"If we know the signs of gun violence, we can prevent it," Aichner said.
One particular aspect families can address is the safe storage of guns. Improperly stored firearms contribute greatly to accidental shootings and to suicides, Aichner noted.
"Safe storage of firearms prevents tragedies," she said.
Another aspect is recognizing and acting on warning signs. Aichner said almost all mass shooters made threats or similar statements before they acted.
Aichner also cautioned the community members attending the vigil not to scapegoat people afflicted with mental health problems. The majority of students with mental health issues do not engage in violence, she said.
The Rev. Brian Vasey of St. Mark's led the community members in a litany for the wake of gun violence, praying for EMTs and first responders and for healing for those injured or grieving due to gun violence and for God to "empower us to change this broken world."
The service included a short video with testimonials by people who lost loved ones to gun violence and a recording of the African Children's Choir singing "Kumbaya" before the service moved to the Market Street bridge.
Jim Foran and Ross Hemmendinger said the apathy that often follows tragedies of gun violence was of particular concern to them.
"This is important," Hemmendinger said. "It's just terrible that our country suffers from so much gun violence."