Arthur Barnard, a Maine resident, has taken on the cause of advocating for stricter gun control laws following the tragic death of his son, Artie, in a mass shooting in October. At the age of 62, Arthur has dedicated himself to pushing for changes in national gun policies, such as a national gun registry and universal background checks. The loss of his son propelled him into activism, despite never being politically active before.
Since Artie’s death, Arthur has been tirelessly working to raise awareness about the need for gun reform, regularly speaking to local news stations and participating in rallies and events. His advocacy has also connected him with other families affected by gun violence, offering some solace in shared experiences.
On a personal level, Arthur has been grappling with the grief of losing his son and the challenges of taking care of his grandchildren, as well as his own mental health. The journey has not been easy for Arthur, but he finds comfort in the memories of the 42 years his son lived.
Despite the emotional toll, Arthur remains committed to fighting for change, planning trips to Washington to participate in vigils and meet with lawmakers. He believes that with the right messaging and continued advocacy, progress can be made in addressing gun violence. Arthur’s transformation from a grieving father to a dedicated advocate underscores the impact of gun violence on individuals and their families, as well as the power of personal stories in driving change.
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Photo credit www.centralmaine.com
