At today's 4th of July parade in Glen Ellyn, (IL), a new group marched for gun violence prevention. Participating as a chapter of the Newtown Action Alliance (a gun violence prevention group out of Connecticut formed after the shooting at Sandy Hook last December), this DuPage based group wants the local communities to know that there is broad support for gun violence prevention, especially universal background checks.

“I was stunned by the level of support and encouragement we received from the crowd,” said parade marcher Diane Sloan. “People were on their feet cheering us on as we passed by. It was very moving.”

The Congressman for Glen Ellyn and the group marching is Representative Peter Roskam, who at this point does not support universal background checks, a gun violence prevention measure that has overwhelming support from Americans.

“Honestly, I’m disappointed that Representative Roskam has not come out in support of universal background checks yet,” said community organizer and marcher, Kathy Meier. “This is really an opportunity for him to use his high ranking position in Congress to do something of significance. The families in his District want universal background checks and we are looking to him to get it done.”