Long Islanders gathered Friday at Eisenhower Park to call for an end to gun violence.

Several groups like Moms Demand Action, local officials, medical professionals and others wore orange in recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Laura Burns, of Moms Demand Action, says orange is worn because it's the color that hunters wear to keep themselves safe.

"It's the bright color that says don't shoot," Burns says.

Those who came out say that places that should be safe havens, like schools and churches, are often targets of gun violence.

Some who attended are parents who lost their children to gun violence.

"My son inspired me in life and he inspires me in death," says Stephanie Draine, founder of Life After Loss A.N.D.R.E.

She created the organization with her husband to raise awareness and help others after her 26-year-old son was killed in 2014.

A focal point of the rally was a memorial to remember the victims of the Texas school shooting and a sculpture that was made by a father who lost his son in the Parkland school shooting.

Many of the participants are looking for an end to the civilian use of assault weapons, stronger background checks and other safety measures.