About the Song: “A Mother’s Anthem” – A Song, a March, a Mission

National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 6, 2025

A Song, A March, A Mission: The Story Behind “A Mother’s Anthem”

Twenty-five years ago, the Million Mom March gathered thousands on the steps of state capitols across the country to demand an end to gun violence. Among them stood Rita Norris, a grieving mother who had lost her beloved son Chad to a senseless drive-by shooting. That Mother’s Day in Sacramento, she courageously shared her story. As tears filled the crowd, I stepped forward to sing a song written in Chad’s memory by our mutual friend, Ann Ulibarri. That song was “A Mother’s Anthem.”

At the march, I remember a misty rain beginning to fall just as I stepped up to sing. I thought to myself, “These are tears falling.” It was incredibly hard to sing and play the song because I was crying too. I sent a prayer to Chad: “Help me stop crying and get through this song so I can sing it for your mother on Mother’s Day.”

Another vivid memory from that day is that my nine-year-old daughter was with me. Rita gave me a Mother’s Day card and thanked me for spending my Mother’s Day at the march. I’ve never forgotten how, on what must have been one of the most painful days of her life, Rita thought to give me a Mother’s Day card.

Since then, “A Mother’s Anthem” has remained a quiet but steady part of the movement for change.

In January 2025, I re-released the song on my album Soul to Soul, and met once again with Rita and Ann to discuss how to once again bring this message back into social discussion. The video I created for the song is part of that effort—a call to awareness, empathy, and action.

This Friday, June 6, is National Gun Violence Awareness Day—also known as #WearOrange Day. 

Throughout the country, people will be wearing orange to honor the lives taken by gun violence and to show their support for safer communities.

June is also Gun Violence Awareness Month.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take this issue out of politics? It’s about people. It’s about children, teenagers, parents, teachers, grocery store clerks, churchgoers…basically ALL OF US…everyone who deserves to feel safe and who has the right to be more valued than guns.

The Facts Are Heartbreaking:

–Guns are now the leading cause of death for American children and teens (ages 1–17).

–In 2023, 2,566 young lives were lost to firearms—a 2% increase from the previous year (CDC/Johns Hopkins).

–Most school shooters acquire their firearms from their home or that of a family member.

–Unsafe gun storage has led to countless preventable tragedies.

Recent Federal Actions That Demand Our Attention:

From credible sources like Giffords.org, here are a few alarming steps taken by the current administration:

Legalized Machine Gun-Like Devices:

The Trump administration reached a settlement effectively legalizing Forced Reset Triggers (FRTs), which simulate machine gun fire.

Removed Gun Violence Memorials:

A memorial featuring victims of gun violence at the ATF was dismantled in May 2025.

Proposed ATF Budget Cuts:

Over $400 million in cuts to the ATF, plus significant cuts to the FBI and DEA.

Cancelled Mental Health Grants for Schools:

Funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was rescinded.

Defunded Community Violence Prevention Programs:

Millions in grants were abruptly cut, halting lifesaving efforts.

Dismantled CDC Gun Violence Research Programs:

Staff were fired and critical data collection halted.

Launched a “Second Amendment Enforcement Task Force”:

Undermining bipartisan gun safety measures.