Local “March For Our Lives” Rally at Walkway Over the Hudson

POUGHKEEPSIE – Around 7,000 local residents gathered on the Walkway Over the Hudson on Saturday to take part in the March For Our Lives, a protest for gun reform and against school shootings that took place around the world.

Stephen Spicer, principal of John L. Edwards Elementary School in Hudson was one of the organizers of this particular march, one of 836 held worldwide.

“What we’re hoping to accomplish is to begin local activism, to get all these people to come together to put pressure on our elected officials,” he said.

As a school principal, Spicer believes that school safety will become a reality across the country once assault weapons are banned.

“We have all sorts of security measures,” he said, “but none of us are safe until these weapons of mass destruction are gone. No security system can protect us from that.”

Spicer spoke to the large crowd before the walk commenced. His impassioned speech called for political action.

“We have gathered here today to demand our elected officials to hear the cries of our young people for common sense,” he said. “Vote for kids or we’ll vote for you out.”

He also made reference to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student and activist Emma Gonzalez, whose photo adorned the back of his sweatshirt.

Joanne Schubert was one of the many attendees who expressed disdain for the lack of political action.

“I am concerned for sensible gun control and very upset that Washington D.C. has done nothing about it,” she said. “I am here in support of the kids who I really appreciate and admire. I hope their voices will be heard.”

Members and volunteers of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence also attended. They believed the March For Our Lives would affect change in gun laws.

“There needs to be changes in our laws to protect innocent people,” said volunteer Owen Clark. “I think a lot of younger people are coming forward and they’ll be the future voters.

They’re going to change things around.”

Sarah Kozloff, who has been working on gun violence prevention for 40 years, expressed her views.

“What really needs to happen is a cultural change, where people don’t think that being a school shooter is a way to be famous,” she said.

Local political figures who attended included Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and New York State Assemblywoman Didi Barrett (D, Hudson). Barrett expressed optimism for the protest and believed it could spark political reform.

“Nothing changes overnight, but it’s really essential that everyone understand they have a role in making change happen,” she said. “If you sit back and wait for others to make things happen, the things you want aren’t necessarily going to happen.”

The March For Our Lives was announced by its students four days after the February 14 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. Similar demonstrations have been held across the country, and more are planned in the future.