Crosses on the Mall

Crosses on the Mall April 12, 2013/Patricia Leslie

After a 24-hour vigil and the reading of victims' names, volunteers on Friday began removing from the National Mall, 3,300 crosses, Stars of David, and Islamic insignia, reminders of those killed by gun violence since the Newtown murders on December 14, 2012.

Crosses on the Mall April 12, 2013/Patricia Leslie

Groups which participated in the placement of the temporary grave markers on Thursday included the Sojourners,  Park View Kids Zone,  Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, and PICO National Network (People Improving Communities through Organizing).

Crosses on the Mall April 12, 2013/Patricia Leslie

Their members were part of hundreds who converged on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to act to curb more gun deaths, and they made a difference:  16 Republican senators voted with 52 Democrats to continue the gun control debate, no small feat in times of heady money and influential lobbyists for the gun industry.

Crosses on the Mall April 12, 2013/Patricia Leslie

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