Many across the Hudson Valley are honoring the lives lost to gun violence and those who have been affected. June is Gun Violence Prevention Month.

Advocates are sending the message that gun violence needs to end. "By the time I was 18, I had lost many of my friends to gun violence killed in my neighborhood," says Meshach Hewitt, of T.R.U.C.3 Inc.

On Friday, hundreds across the region wore orange to share this message.

In Mount Vernon, community leaders and advocates are promoting peace and unity and honoring the lives lost and affected by gun violence. "I've lost loved ones to gun violence," says Joanne Dunn, executive director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester. "I see the parallels of gun violence. I see funerals and then I go to court and I see young people sentenced because of gun violence."

People in Nyack are doing the same. "I want to be a figure in this movement," says Austin McEachin, a New City resident.

For McEachin, it's important to raise awareness about gun violence affects teenagers at school.

"Throughout the day they may be thinking about how unsafe they are, how someone may attack their school, which is unsettling," he says.

Moms Demand Action volunteers say it's important to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence and not just this month. "We're here to honor the people and to make sure that they're not forgotten," says Heather Hurley, a volunteer for Moms Demand Action Rockland County.

Moms Demand Action Rockland County says this is also Wear Orange Weekend, a national movement advocating for an end to gun violence.