HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Saturday’s March for Our Lives drew hundreds to Holland’s Centennial Park and downtown Douglas.
Not everyone agreed on the best way to combat gun violence, but all agreed that some change must happen. At least two hundred people were present to hear three students, Holland High’s Zaphire Arvizu; Holland Christian’s Kyla McCallum; and Black River’s Sophia Camarota, speak at Centennial Park. By the time the hour-long march started, close to 400 people of all ages were walking around Centennial Park in a cold made bitter by brisk winds.
Arvizu talked about growing up as part of “the lockdown generation,” saying she’s heartbroken that her parents and grandparents worry about her safety. She said she’s seen her mother cry with worry.
McCallum said the government is failing Americans on this issue. She noted teens fighting for the change are working with enthusiasm and relentless passion to “make changes that support our safety.”
“Legislation needs to change,” Camarota said, talking about Australia’s gun ban. “We need to start having a conversation about what we can agree on.”
Holland residents Carol Crawford, Dave Van Farowe, and Chris Lubbers said they came out to support the teens — and add their voices to the call for changes. Adult opinions in the crowd ranged from an all-out ban on guns to a more thoughtful approach to the Second Amendment.
Crawford said she has grandchildren in the schools and it’s vital to support their voices.
Van Farowe said he thinks the Second Amendment is misinterpreted, because a well-regulated milita doesn’t include school shooters. And, he said, it’s not just liberals who want changes.
“I think it’s an issue for more than just hippes. I’m a Christian person,” Van Farowe said. “I have some conservative views, I would like people to know this is broader than the stereotypes.”
Lubbers said better healthcare access needs to be added to changes in the gun laws. Getting Medicare for everyone, he said, would help those who can’t afford a doctor to have access.
