Saturday March 24,  a ‘March for Our Lives” rally took place in Mill River Park from noon to 2 p.m.. The rally was put together by a mix of teens, some from the Stamford community, in order to raise awareness of the unnecessary gun violence that has gone on dating back to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, up to the most recent tragedies at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Great Mills High School, and the corresponding need to enact new school safety measures. The march contained pleas for common sense gun laws and featured multiple speakers. I spoke to one of the featured speakers and activists in particular; Dana Horowitz, about her involvement in the rally and what it meant to her.

Horowitz has been personally affected by gun violence, and told the audience a story from when she was young that fueled her passion for the rally’s cause. Horowitz recalled the time her father was shot while he was at work.

Horowitz said she got involved with the activist organization “Enough” when she heard they were putting together a vigil to commemorate the anniversary of the shooting that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. Being inspired, she began sharing her story in public venues.

When asked for her thoughts on those who are skeptical about the impact of marching and attending rallies,  she responded, “In Connecticut we are in a situation that’s different; we have senators and politicians that believe in common sense gun laws. But even though they fight for what we’re fighting here for today, we can’t become complacent and not speak our minds. They still need to hear how we feel, what we want, and that we still believe in the message. So I would definitely say that you need to make your voice heard whether it’s through phone calls, or emails, or letters,signing petitions when they come around – I think that those are all ways that you can make a difference. And then when it’s time, vote for politicians and people who – again- believe in common sense gun laws and will continue to fight for the same values and beliefs that you have.”

Horowitz ended with  a warning and call to action for the today’s youth. “Don’t be lazy,” said Horowitz.