ORLANDO, Fla. — The parents of a student who was killed at the Parkland mass shooting are cruising and traveling the United States in a school bus — hoping to bring attention to gun violence.
The first stop was Parkland earlier Monday and the second was at the Pulse memorial site.
The parents driving the bus are honoring their son Joaquin "Guac" Oliver, who was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings.
Joaquin would have turned 23 years old on August 4.
His parents, Manuel and Patricia Oliver, say they bought the bus last year and have been planning the tour ever since.
RIGHT NOW: Joaquin also known as “Guac” Oliver was killed in the 2018 Parkland High School shooting . Meet his two parents. Those pink shoes you’re looking at were Joaquin’s favorite shoes. His favorite color was pink. His parents are bringing awareness to gun violence. pic.twitter.com/ye3CshcpFL
— Maria Serrano (@mariaserranotv) July 3, 2023
They will visit more than 20 cities in 50 days — including Baltimore, a city that suffered a tragic mass shooting over the holiday weekend.
Manuel and Patricia say they’re empowering and remembering many of the communities that have suffered from gun violence.
"And thats the whole point of the tour, is visiting, being in places where people know exactly how we feel," said Manuel Oliver. "We had 23 stops until two days ago, now we have 24.”
The next stop is in Atlanta on July 5 — also, on the list is Uvalde, Columbine.