When they learned that more than 30,000 people are killed by guns in the United States every year, they decided to take action. In 1994, they started the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah in the hope of getting some of the state's gun laws changed.

"We've been absolutely unsuccessful," says Ron, "but we're not giving up. Other states have banned assault weapons and exploding bullets, so why not Utah? And let's get concealed weapons off the campus, for crying out loud. How many more kids have to die before we get the message?"

It's unacceptable, say the Molens, that their son would have been better off living in any other advanced nation besides the United States. Every day, they shake their heads as they read yet another story about a gang shooting, a suicide, a disturbed student reloading on a college campus.

"So many lives are shattered when somebody dies from gun violence," says Norma, who helps organize a tulip bulb planting every year to remember Utahns killed by guns. She gazes at her son's portrait and becomes silent. "He had much to offer," she says finally. "There is much he could have done with his incredible life."

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