Alice Hedt- Observations of the March for Our Lives

 Rev. Fred and Alice Hedt 

and members of Ascension Lutheran Church

 in Landover, Maryland.
Alice shares with us some gleanings
 from participating in this historic March.

          Choosing to attend the March for Our Lives-

I attended the rally because I am shaken by the Parkland and other school shootings, and by the gun violence in so many communities in this country. I also wanted to support youth from Ascension who share these concerns. 

Observations while at the March for Our Lives-

      Headed towards the rally, I was filled with thankfulness     

      for this country that allows each of us to express our 

      opinions. How wonderful to see young people, and we  

      oldsters, sharing our grief, our fears, and our vision for a 

      less violent society! Standing with Ascension youth, 

      I was filled with hope listening to the articulate focused  

      young speakers. And I learned a lot! 180,000 children 

      have observed a school shooting and 40 percent of 

      these children have post traumatic stress disorder. 

Reflections after the March for Our Lives-

I personally believe that these young leaders are a gift from God to our society. Too many adults, myself included, have grown to accept violence in cities and schools. We have normalized and ignored children living in fear. These young people are pushing our society to identify and implement solutions in our individual actions and in public policy.  I am grateful. 

Thank you Alice for reporting

 from live in the ministry fields!