Today MADD Hosts the First-Ever National Day of Remembrance

News provided by

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Dec 03, 2015, 09:00 ET


DALLAS, TX (PRWEB) December 03, 2015 -- To culminate the organization’s 35th anniversary year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) hosts the first-of-its-kind National Day of Remembrance today, December 3rd. The day honors those who have been killed or injured in drunk or drugged driving crashes or as a result of underage drinking consequences; as well as those who have been emotionally devastated by these violent and preventable crimes.

Events will take place in cities across the country to commemorate the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by drunk and drugged driving and underage drinking. In 2014, almost 10,000 people were killed in the United States as a result of drunk driving.

MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church will join the National Day of Remembrance event in Phoenix, AZ and MADD Chief Executive Officer Debbie Weir will open a press conference for the National Day of Remembrance in Los Angeles, CA.

"After losing my son at 18-years-old in an underage drunk and drugged driving crash, I know that the holidays can be the hardest times for families who have lost a loved one,” said MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church. “That’s why we chose December 3rd as the National Day of Remembrance. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve in 2014, 945 people were killed in drunk driving crashes nationwide. Countless loved ones are left behind to cope with these tragedies and rebuild their lives.”

MADD’s National Day of Remembrance is a chance for communities across the nation to come together and offer support and comfort to those who need it, during the holidays and beyond. The theme for the National Day of Remembrance is, “You Always Have a Place.” When a loved one is killed because of the violent and preventable crime of drunk or drugged driving, a place setting at the family table may be empty, but that person will always have a place in the hearts of family and friends.

“For 35 years MADD has served the victims of drunk and drugged driving. By hosting a National Day of Remembrance, we’re letting victims and survivors know that they are not alone,” said Debbie Weir, MADD Chief Executive Officer. “The pain and suffering that these families have endured has not been forgotten. MADD has been here for them for 35 years, and we’ll continue to be here for them as long as they need us.”

MADD supporters are invited to post an image of their loved ones using the hashtag “#MADDremembers” via their social media accounts or on the MADD Facebook page or visit madd.org/placesetting to dedicate an online place setting tribute in their honor.

In 2014, MADD Victim Services provided a supportive service every four minutes and served a victim every 15 minutes. Drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors can find help free of charge through local MADD Victim Advocates, MADD’s 24-hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP, or with the live chat feature on madd.org. MADD Victim Services include emotional support, court accompaniment, criminal justice advocacy, educational materials, community referrals, and prevention efforts such as child endangerment and concerned citizen calls.

For more information about MADD’s National Day of Remembrance, or to find a local event, visit madd.org/dayofremembrance.

About Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Founded by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) is celebrating its 35th anniversary by creating a future of NO MORE VICTIMSTM. MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD supports drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge, serving one person every fifteen minutes through local MADD victim advocates and at 1-877-MADD-HELP. MADD’s Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving® will end drunk driving through increased law enforcement, all offender ignition interlock laws and advanced vehicle technology. PowerTalk 21® is the national day for parents to talk with their teens about alcohol, using Power of Parents®’ proven approach to reduce underage drinking. Learn more by visiting MADD’s new website at madd.org or calling 1-877-ASK-MADD.

# # #

Heather Wedel, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, http://madd.org, +1 469-420-4544, [email protected]