By Sandy Glass

I was 17 when my brother was murdered, then robbed while on spring break — shot from behind at a hotel vending machine. In that moment, gun violence changed everything for my family.

A police officer came to the door of my family’s home with news that my 20-year-old brother had been murdered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while on spring break from George Washington University. The moment felt surreal. My mother fell into my father’s arms. I was 17 when I flew with my father to identify my brother’s body. I remember the depth of my parents’ grief, and how my younger brother lost his role model and his childhood in a single moment. I lost my big brother, confidant, and my adolescence before even turning 18. No one knew what to say to me in my final months of high school. We were all victims that day. Gun violence changed everything for my family.

Albert was a political science student who volunteered and was focused on making the world better. He had recently returned from Barcelona as an exchange student, gaining a broader world view, perfecting his Spanish and learning to play rugby. He was charismatic and touched many lives in his 20 years before his story was cut short. I mourn the chapters I never got to experience with him, all that he might have accomplished, and how his presence would have enriched my life and the lives of so many others. I mourn that he wouldn’t be at my wedding or meet my children. His branch on the family tree was severed.

In 1978, losing a young person to gun violence was rare. Now, it is heartbreakingly common. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in America. Each year, more than 4,300 children and teens are killed by guns in the U.S. — that’s 12 young lives lost every single day. For every child killed, four are injured by firearms. The ripple effects extend far beyond the victims — families, friends, and entire communities are forever devastated.

My heart breaks for every family who has suffered as mine did. Sadly, 47 years later, not enough has been done. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. I honor Albert’s memory by advocating for common-sense gun safety laws — measures proven to save lives, like secure gun storage, background checks, and red flag laws. Research shows that three-quarters of school shooters obtain their guns from the home of a parent or close relative. Sensible legislation and safe storage can help protect our children and prevent other families from experiencing this pain.

Washington state has been a leader in gun safety, thanks to organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. Through advocacy and education, they have helped get important legislation passed and provide resources to families. Please consider supporting their work with your time or a donation.

For the 11th year, we invite everyone to #WearOrange on June 6, 2025, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and to attend events throughout Wear Orange Weekend, June 7–8. The Mercer Island/Bellevue Moms Demand Action group will have a table set up at Mercerdale Park on Sunday, June 8th from 10 a.m. to noon. Come learn more, meet other advocates, sign up to get involved and enjoy our orange treats. Together, we will remember the millions of lives stolen or impacted by gun violence and act in their honor.

Wear Orange is about more than raising awareness. It’s about keeping things practical and local, and giving people real ways to save lives right now. Whether it’s learning about secure gun storage, supporting local organizations, or simply having conversations with neighbors, let’s honor those we’ve lost by making our community safer for every child.

My call to action is simple: If you own a firearm, please store it locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. Talk to your children and their friends’ parents about gun safety. Visit the Moms Demand Action booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, July 6th to take advantage of free gun locks, get more information, or connect with local groups working for change. Show up, speak out, and help keep Mercer Island a place where every child can thrive.

Let’s honor those we’ve lost — not just with words, but with action. Wear orange, take a stand, and help save lives.

Sandy Brown Glass has been a Mercer Island resident since 1998.