Rock Island issues proclamations for Historic Preservation Month, Mississippi River Day and Gun Violence Awareness Day

Mayor Ashley Harris read or signed three proclamations during the May 19 Rock Island City Council meeting: May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month; June 2, 2025, as National Mississippi River Day; and June 6, 2025, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Diane A. Strike, secretary of the Rock Island Preservation Society and chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, noted the city’s preservation history, saying the society was founded in 1981 and that the commission was established following a 1984 aldermanic vote. Strike said the preservation work “is especially appropriate” and thanked the mayor and council.

Annina Strouse, river health and resiliency organizer with Prairie Rivers Network, accepted the Mississippi River proclamation on behalf of Prairie Rivers Network and the 1 Mississippi network; she said, “This proclamation not only acknowledges the river's vital role in our lives, but also affirms our collective responsibility to protect and restore it.”

On the gun-violence proclamation, Robin McConnell, a retired teacher who identified herself with Moms Demand Action during public comment, thanked the council and said she represented that group and its awareness efforts. The gun-violence proclamation encourages citizens to wear orange on June 6 to honor victims and support prevention efforts.

All three proclamations were ceremonial recognitions read as part of Item 5; the transcript records the proclamations’ text and public acceptance but does not record binding legislative actions tied to the proclamations.