In one year firearms killed 19 children in Great Britain, 153 in Canada, 0 in Japan, 57 in Germany, and 5,288 children in the United States.  There is a common link in all of these deaths-they were preventable.  We as parents, educators, clergy, Paramedics, and police all have a responsibility to educate children about the dangers of guns.

PAX is an organization that is dedicated to ending the gun violence epidemic in America.  Through their innovative campaigns, PAX promotes practical solutions that all Americans can embrace; solutions that help protect our families and children.

The ASK Campaign:  (Asking Saves Kids)  Is there a gun where my child plays?  Not a question most parents ask when their child has a play date.  Why don't we ask?  Perhaps we are in denial that our child will ever find a gun, or maybe we are uncomfortable asking such a question.  The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to ask this question.  Amazingly, over 40% of homes with children have guns, many kept unlocked and loaded.  Every year thousands of children are killed or seriously injured with adults' guns.  Isn't your child's life worth a little awkwardness?

Carol Price, the honorary Chairperson of the ASK Campaign, lost her son John in an accidental shooting at a friend's house.  On August 20, 1998 John was playing with a group of neighborhood friends.  He asked if he could go to Phillip's house and play video games.  Carol ran through her usual queries and even asked Phillip to phone his father from her kitchen to make sure he would be there to supervise.  After she was assured he would be there, the boys left.  John shouted "Love you, Mom" as he left.

The boys were in the living room playing Nintendo.  Phillip's dad went out and left the kids alone.  At some point Phillip went upstairs to a bedroom.  From an unlocked dresser drawer, he took out a 9mm Ruger handgun.

Phillip brought the gun downstairs to show the other kids.  He had a vague idea of how it worked:  He took the clip out of the bottom and loaded it.  Then, at the urging of the other kids, he unloaded the clip.  In the process he had unknowingly left a bullet in the chamber.

The boys were frightened and wanted to leave.  Phillip told them there was nothing to worry about.  "It's not loaded," he said, pulling the trigger to make his point.  The single bullet pierced John's brain instantly killing him.

Carol says that if you think it's hard to ask people if they keep a gun in their homes, consider this:  It's much more difficult to select a casket for your child.