Sunday, June 28, was celebrated as Freedom of the Press Day in honor of the five Capital Gazette employees murdered two years ago in Annapolis, Maryland, under a proclamation signed by Gov. Larry Hogan.
The governor's proclamation honored Gerald Fischman, Rob Hiaasen, John McNamara, Rebecca Smith and Wendi Winters, as well as “all journalists serving a vital role in the world’s democratic process to inform residents of the happenings of their governments.”
In addition, Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland has introduced a bill to get a Fallen Journalist Memorial established in Washington, D.C. The Capital Gazette reports that the memorial would use zero taxpayer funds, authorize a commemorative work on eligible federal land, would serve as a tribute to the Capital Gazette’s staff and to all other journalists who have died in the line of duty, and to the nation’s commitment to a free press.