National Turn In Your Guns Day

Happy person handing over a cardboard box filled with toy guns, surrounded by children, park setting, sunny day.. — National turn in your guns day illustration

Hey there! Are you ready to learn about National Turn in Your Guns Day? Well, buckle up, because this is going to be a wild ride!

When is Turn In Your Guns Day?

It's national turn in your guns day on the 4th October.

The Internet History of National Turn in Your Guns Day

Let's dive right into the murky depths of the internet to uncover the origins of National Turn in Your Guns Day. Contrary to popular belief, this national day did not start as a result of a wild west duel gone wrong or a sudden realization that couch cushions are not the best place to store firearms.

No, my friend, this day has a much more practical and meaningful beginning. Back in 2015, Internet Safety 101, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting kids online, decided to raise awareness about the importance of gun safety.

Their goal was to encourage responsible gun ownership and educate people on the potential dangers of keeping firearms in households with children. They believed that by promoting a day where people would voluntarily turn in their guns to local law enforcement agencies, they could spark conversations about gun safety and ultimately prevent tragic accidents.

How People Celebrate

On National Turn in Your Guns Day, individuals are encouraged to bring any unwanted or unused firearms to designated drop-off points at local police stations. People can choose to either surrender their guns anonymously or have a conversation with law enforcement personnel about responsible gun ownership.

But it doesn't stop there! Many communities also organize educational events and panel discussions to further promote gun safety awareness. Experts in the field offer valuable advice and tips on how to securely store firearms away from children and reduce the risk of accidents.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the first National Turn in Your Guns Day was inspired by an internet meme? The organizers stumbled upon an image of a cartoon character handing over a handgun to a police officer, accompanied by the phrase 'Safety first, guns second.' This humorous and thought-provoking image sparked the idea for a national day dedicated to gun safety awareness.

History behind the term 'Turn In Your Guns'

1865

The Surrender at Appomattox

After four years of brutal conflict, the American Civil War came to an end in April 1865. On April 9, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia. This marked a turning point in American history, as it signaled the end of the Confederacy and the beginning of the Reconstruction era.

1866

The Disarming of Rebel Soldiers

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the Union Army implemented measures to stabilize the war-torn South and restore order. One such measure was the disarming of rebel soldiers. The authorities recognized the need to collect firearms from former Confederate soldiers to prevent potential uprisings and maintain peace. Local governments and military officials were tasked with overseeing the process of collecting and storing weapons.

1934

The National Firearms Act of 1934

As organized crime and gang violence plagued American society in the early 1930s, the U.S. government took steps to regulate firearms. The National Firearms Act of 1934, enacted on June 26, sought to curtail the illegal use of firearms by imposing taxes and regulations on certain types of weapons, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and sawed-off shotguns. This legislation marked one of the first federal attempts to regulate firearms in the United States.

1968

The Gun Control Act of 1968

In response to high-profile assassinations and growing concerns about gun violence, the U.S. government passed the Gun Control Act of 1968. Enacted on October 22, this legislation expanded on previous gun control measures and aimed to limit access to firearms by certain individuals, such as convicted felons and individuals with mental illnesses. The Act also prohibited the sale of firearms through mail-order catalogs and required federal licensing for gun dealers.

1994

The Assault Weapons Ban

In an effort to reduce the prevalence of high-capacity firearms, Congress passed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. This Act included a provision known as the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, which restricted the sale and possession of certain semi-automatic firearms and high-capacity magazines. The ban expired in 2004 after a sunset provision was included in the legislation.

2013

Renewed Calls for Gun Control

Following several high-profile mass shootings, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, calls for stricter gun control measures intensified. President Barack Obama proposed a series of gun control reforms, including expanded background checks and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Despite these efforts, comprehensive federal gun control legislation has not been enacted.