ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day meant to recognize people shot and killed every day in our country, people in East St. Louis gathered wearing the color orange.

“When I found out, it was devastating. My oldest son had called me and said he was in the hospital,” said Pastor Tommy Smith.

Pastor Smith says he got the news that his 16-year-old son, Dontez Smith, was shot while he was in church. Dontez later died from his injuries.

“I miss him a lot. I thought about him yesterday. I keep seeing his face every time I see different kids, and I think about him. What we could have done together, what we could have accomplished together,” said Pastor Smith.

Smith spoke at the Wear Orange event.

“It’s bringing together families and those that have be

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