National Wear Orange Day
On National Wear Orange Day., June 7, 2024, the Kingston
Interfaith Council is calling for a nationwide ban on assault weapons, citing the urgent need to
address the epidemic of gun violence plaguing our communities.
Wear Orange, observed annually on the first Friday in June and throughout that weekend, honors
victims and survivors of gun violence. This year, the Kingston Interfaith Council is using this
day of remembrance to highlight the disproportionate impact of assault weapons in mass
shootings and to demand legislation to prevent future tragedies.
The members of the Kingston Interfaith Council (KIC) are calling for an immediate and
complete ban of all assault weapons and all modifications of any weapon that transform them
into assault-style weapons in New York State. They are urging lawmakers to enact a ban on
assault weapons and modifications that transform guns into assault weapons.
“As people of faith, we are called to protect the sanctity of life,” said Suzanne Campise,
President of the Kingston Interfaith Council. “Weapons of war have no place in our schools,
houses of worship, or any other place where people gather.”
The Kingston Interfaith Council will be participating in Wear Orange by gathering communities
across faith traditions at three locations throughout Kingston on June 7-9th, 2024:
• Friday, June 7th – 5:15pm at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley (CEHV) –
243 Albany Avenue, Kingston.
• Saturday, June 8th – 12pm at Old Dutch Reformed Church – 272 Wall Street, Kingston.
• Sunday, June 9th – 12:30pm at TR Gallo Park in the Rondout.
The Kingston Interfaith Council encourage all individuals and organizations to join them in
wearing orange and advocating for common-sense gun safety legislation.
“We call on all people of faith and conscience to join us in demanding action from our elected
officials,” added Rev. Dr. Leonisa Ardizzone, founder of the Peace Education Center of the
Hudson Valley and member of the KIC. “Our communities deserve to live without fear.”
