Hi team,

Tonight I have the honor of attending the State of the Union Address with my representative from Connecticut, Congressman Jim Himes.  

Almost a year ago — after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting — you joined me in supporting the March for Our Lives events around the country. Tonight I bring to the address the memory of those who’ve lost their lives too soon — be it in Parkland, FL, Charleston, SC, or Washington, D.C. That they are no longer here with us speaks to the disease that is gun violence in America. That many of our elected officials have nothing to address the issue is a travesty.

But I hope my attendance reminds other Americans that gun control is an issue we have to address, and that if our representatives in D.C. fail to take our lives seriously by passing comprehensive gun legislation, the 25 percent of us who make up this country’s youth will make sure our voices are heard in the voting booth.

Our lives, and our country’s future, depend on it.

I’m so thankful to Congressman Himes for his invitation, but mostly I’m thankful that he’s standing up for what is right.

If you are able, please tune in and share your thoughts about the #SOTU. Tag @schoolwalkoutUS and @Change on Twitter.

No matter what, our fight continues.  Thank you for your continued bravery and support.

-Lane