WASHINGTON — US Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn) announced Thursday, January 7, that he has invited Mark Barden to be his guest for the State of the Union address. Mark Barden is the co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, a community organization dedicated to finding sensible solutions to prevent gun violence. His 7-year-old son Daniel was killed in the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

 “Mark’s resolve and resilience in the face of unthinkable horror inspires me each and every day. He turned anger and crushing grief into action and empowerment,” said Murphy. “Too many families have spent countless sleepless nights and teary-eyed days from the heartache of losing a loved one to gun violence. At President Obama’s final State of the Union, where I hope he will challenge each and every member of Congress to finally stand up to the gun lobby and take action on the issue of gun violence, I’m proud that Mark will be by my side.”

 “I want to express my deep appreciation for the genuine commitment that President Obama, Vice President Biden, Senator Chris Murphy and our whole congressional delegation have shown towards the issue of gun violence. I would like to thank Senator Murphy for his heartfelt support for my family and continued advocacy and hard work addressing the issue of gun violence in America. The President has prioritized this issue, doing all that he can as president and as a father to protect our communities and keep our families safe. I’m honored to attend his last State of the Union address,” said Mr Barden.

President Obama will deliver his final State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at 9:00pm.