Gun control advocates march

>>> in this country more peaceful scenes as large numbers of people took to the streets in washington and other cities today to keep the spotlight on gun violence and to back the obama spragsadministration's push for stricter gun laws . gun rights supporters are finding ways to demonstrate their own passions over the issue. nbc news white house correspondent kristen welker joins us now with more.

>> reporter: lester, good evening. today's rally was organized by advocacy groups, one million moms for gun control . it was a day filled with emotion but also reality. the nation is still sharply divided when it comes to guns. a ground swell of support for stiffer gun laws and thousands rallied in washington to call for change in the wake of the newtown shooting, holding signs bearing the names of those lost and speaking their minds.

>> no more. it's time to do something about it.

>> we can and must free our nation of this scourge of gun violence .

>> reporter: among the crowds mothers who have lost children to guns. elected officials and parents from the newtown community.

>> we're grieving but hopeful that something so atrocious can bring about some change.

>> reporter: smaller gun control rallies across the nation today including this one in new jersey.

>> i think newtown has been a real turning point for me. the real turning point was having to tell my son.

>> reporter: gun buybacks in california and in seattle where a rocket launcher was brought in. the president using this public support to pressure congress to pass tougher legislation.

>> keeping our children safe from the menace of gun violence .

>> reporter: on friday vice president biden held a round table discussion in richmond, virginia.

>> we talked about the notion of a universal background check .

>> reporter: but there is still strong opposition that was on display in gun shows across the country today. many, which saw record crowds. senator dianne feinstein acknowledged the tough fight ahead when she proposed a ban on more than 100 types of assault weapons and high capacity magazine clips.

>> this is really an uphill road.

>> reporter: the national rifle association responded sharply in a statement. the american people know gun bans do not work and we are confident congress will reject senator feinstein's wrong headed approach. according to political analysts the president's gun control will face an uncertain future.

>> there are some things on guns that might be able to be done like universal background checks but an assault weapons ban i think is not in the cards this year.

>> reporter: those at today's march say something has to change.

>> to stand here and see all the other names, all the placards and people who have lost somebody or have been damaged by gun violence is stunning.

>> reporter: now, gun rights supporters held rallies across the nation last week to oppose stiffer gun laws . coming up this week representatives from both sides will testify before a senate committee about this issue, including nra ceo wayne laperriere. lester?

>> kristen, thank you.