National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Stephen Shallo, Deputy Village Manager, Alex Marshall, Village Manager, Mayor Justin Arest, Rev. Dr. Kelly Hough Rogers, Leslie Hansen-Weiden - Westchester Group Lead for Moms Demand Action, Village Trustee - Tim Foley 

Friends – this past week - Mayor Justin Arest has officially proclaimed Friday, June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Scarsdale. This day honors victims of gun violence and promotes community safety initiatives. The movement originally began in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old honor student tragically killed in Chicago in 2013 shortly after attending President Barack Obama's inauguration. Her friends launched the "Wear Orange" campaign—using the safety color worn by hunters—to symbolize the value of human life.

We need to remember to stand with communities nationwide by wearing orange this June to advocate for common-sense gun safety. This year's local efforts were coordinated with the Mayor and Village Trustees by Village Manager Alex Marshall, Rev. Dr. Kelly Hough Rogers of the Scarsdale Congregational Church, and Leslie Hansen-Weiden, Westchester Group Lead for Moms Demand Action. I continue this work as it is a deep passion of mine, and I am called to it as a leader in Clergy for Safe Cities as well as a participant in Mom’s Demand Action. 

It’s important for us to also remember that the community first gathered for Wear Orange Day on the steps of Village Hall under the leadership of Pat Colella who we remember as dedicated advocate. As a passionate leader and volunteer for Moms Demand Action in Westchester and New York State, Pat spent years organizing the Wear Orange proclamation and speaking at village board meetings to educate the community on the devastating impact of gun violence.

Let’s continue to carry Pat’s legacy forward by wearing orange in June, by joining in local advocacy efforts, and continuing the vital work of building a safer, more peaceful future for all.

With you on the journey,

Kelly