If you are viewing on the ABC10 app, tap here for multimedia.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Six years ago, on December 14, 2012, 26 lives, many who were kindergartners or first grade students, were ended after a gunman opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
To remember the lives lost and to call for change, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America held a vigil on the steps of the California State Capitol Friday night.
Flickering lights filled paper bags on the steps to remember many names lost to gun violence. The group says every day, an average of 96 people die from gun violence.
Amanda Wilcox feels the pain of losing a child to a senseless shooting. Her daughter Laura, 19-years-old at the time, was shot and killed in a rampage shooting over Christmas break from school in 2001.
"She always had her ducks in a row. Full of plans, full of life, full of spirit. Wanting to make a difference in the world. She already was. I remember just feeling the world was diminished by her death. It's the world's loss, everyone's loss," Wilcox said.
The main message, Friday night, was advocating to end gun violence by talking about responsibilities, reform and action.
"Moms Demand is full of members who are gun owners, who are NRA members, too, who believe they can do better. That there's such a thing as responsible gun ownership and that's really what we are advocating for; responsible gun ownership," said Jena Groser, a volunteer with Moms Demand Action for Gunse Sense in America, Sacramento Chapter.
Wilcox is hopeful her daughter's legacy will continue to impact people's lives. Wilcox spoke about upcoming legislation to call attention to gun sense and gun violence in California.
"I'm doing it for Laura. Sometimes in a hearing, when I really feel like I'm having an impact, I almost feel Laura right there on my shoulder. I know she's with me and I know she's supporting me. Yeah, I'm doing it for her," Wilcox said.
Continue the conversation with Madison on Facebook.
ABC10 Presents Paradise’s Superhero: "Grandpa" is what James calls Jimmy, his best friend and roommate of roughly 40 years. Jimmy is 86-years-old, and when the fire approached their mobile home it was up to James to figure out how to get the two of them out.