Ossining Sets Aug. 8 Vigil For Victims Of Gun Violence

OSSINING, NY — The Ossining community has organized a vigil in memory of the victims of gun violence. It will take place at 8 p.m. Friday at Louis Engel Waterfront Park.

The gathering is in reaction to a week of gun violence, starting with the mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival July 28 and ending with two shootings that occurred with hours of each other: the shooting at a crowded Walmart in El Paso, Texas, and Sunday at a popular area for nightlife in Dayton, Ohio.

"In moments of tragedy, the first step to healing and changing course, may be to stand quietly, listen, sing, and share the light of a candle with a neighbor," Mayor Victoria Gearity told residents. "Acting on a suggestion from a resident, the Village and Town have coordinated an invitation to the community for a candlelight vigil."

Dayton was the 251st mass shooting in the USA in 2019, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which records all shootings in the country. Mass shootings are defined as those with 4 or more victims.

"The tragedies we are experiencing are now commonplace and have left many of us feeling helpless, but know that here in Ossining, we will continue to advocate every day for all residents to feel respected, accepted, and valued," said town Supervisor Dana Levenberg.

Here’s a link to the facebook event page.

Indivisible Westchester, Moms Demand Action and March for Our Lives Lower Hudson Valley, held a vigil Monday in White Plains.