Scarsdale Recognizes National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Deputy Village Manager Stephen Shallo, Village Manager Alex Marshall, Mayor Justin Arest, Rev. Kelly Hough-Rogers, Westchester Group Lead for Moms Demand Action Leslie Hassan-Wieden and Village Trustee Tim FoleyMayor Justin Arest proclaimed Friday, June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Scarsdale. Marking its 12th year, 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.

Scarsdale stands 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.

The community first gathered for Wear Orange Day on the steps of Village Hall under the leadership of Pat Colella, a dedicated advocate and former Scarsdale resident who passed away from pancreatic cancer three years ago. 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.

To carry her legacy forward, Scarsdale residents are encouraged to wear orange in June, join local advocacy efforts, and continue the vital work of building a safer, more peaceful future for all.