The Vocal Majority Bus Tour with former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords made a stop at the Edmond Town Hall on Saturday, October 15.

The tour is part of Americans for Responsible Solutions' (ARS) nationwide campaign to end gun violence. It is are a bipartisan group whose mission is to hold elected officials accountable for making legislative change and to let the public know that their voice and vote matter.

ARS started off the tour in September, making its first stop in Orlando, a city that on June 12 experienced a devastating shooting at Pulse nightclub that killed 49 people. In just a span of 42 days, the tour is set to travel to a total of 40 cities in 14 states.

During that time Ms Giffords and her husband, Captain Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut, will continue to spread the message of hope and empowerment that the vocal majority can make a difference in stopping gun violence.

Roundtable Discussion

In Newtown, the Vocal Majority Bus Tour started off with a roundtable discussion inside the Edmond Town Hall's Alexandria Room. Ms Giffords met with state and community leaders who are advocates for preventing gun violence.

Members brought their individual perspective on the issue and shared what they are doing to help make a positive change.

In addition to Ms Giffords, the panel consisted of Americans for Responsible Solutions Robin Lloyd; US Senator Richard Blumenthal; Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty; Kara Baekey of Moms Demand Action; Dr William Begg of Western Connecticut Health Network; Candice Bohr of Newtown Youth & Family Services; Jessica Ward of Newtown Youth & Family Services; Tom Campbell of the Brady Campaign; Mary Ann Jacob of Everytown and the Newtown Legislative Council; Karen Jarmoc of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Chris Kukk of Western Connecticut State University; LGBT advocate Shawn Lang; Po Murray of the Newtown Action Alliance; Ron Pinciaro of Connecticut Against Gun Violence; Sandy Hook parent Jeremy Richman, who co-founded The Avielle Foundation; Reverend Sam Saylor, vice president of the National Gun Victims Action Council; and Reverend Henry Brown of Mothers United Against Violence.

Ms Baekey of Moms Demand Action: For Gun Sense In America told the panel how her son was a first grader in Norwalk on 12/14.

"That day shook me to my core. I was beyond devastated," Ms Baekey said. "I could not stop thinking of the families up the road in town."

The tragedy inspired her to get involved with Moms Demand Action and she became part of its local chapter. She told Ms Giffords and the panel about their current programs like their Gun Sense Order Campaign.

Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty said, "These are manmade tragedies. This is not some natural disaster... We can find ways to support the second amendment for lawful gun owners and save lives."

She added, "No law is going to eliminate all killing. We have laws against murder, and yet we still have murder. But smart laws, tough laws, good laws that are based on what works in reality and are saving lives."

Among the members in the roundtable, there was a group consensus that gun violence is not just one demographic's problem. Gun violence is not a race issue or an economic issue, but it is an American issue that everyone is responsible for speaking up and making efforts to prevent.

Mothers United Against Violence member Reverend Henry Brown felt strongly about that sentiment and emphasized in his talk that as a nation we can not be divided in the fight.

"It is not about race. It's [about] people trying to bring about change... We can do this as Americans. I'm an American. I'm not a black man; I'm an American. I am proud to be an American," said Rev Brown with such passion that the room erupted in applause.

He ended by saying, "I have dedicated my life, with whatever little time I have on this earth, to fight for every child in America."

National Gun Victims Action Council Vice President Reverend Sam Saylor agreed saying, "We are part of one Newtown."

Rev Saylor also brought up the importance of urban support among all communities.

His son, Shane, was shot and killed in 2012, and he emphasized that he never wanted to see his children or grandchildren die before him again. He said there is such a thing as "street justice" and "sweet justice." He accounted receiving sweet justice the day he stood before the judge and saw his son's murderer convicted and sent to jail.

Executive Director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Ron Pinciaro, spoke to the panel about the importance of reducing gun violence through legislation and advocacy.

Mr Pinciaro explained, "We are proud to say that Connecticut leads the nation on this issue in a lot of ways. In Connecticut, we have the second strongest gun laws in the country. Smart gun laws work. Smart gun laws save lives."

He brought up the importance of the filibuster that Senator Murphy and Senator Blumenthal conducted. He said, "That had a tremendous effect on this country."

Senator Blumenthal explained to the group that the State of Connecticut has some of the strongest gun laws, "But guns have no respect for state borders... I am going to continue to fight for state laws, but we need national laws. And that is why were are here: to turn this vocal majority into a voting majority."

He went on to say that bipartisan support is crucial because "nothing will get done in Washington if it doesn't involve both Republicans and Democrats."

Senator Blumenthal concluded his remarks by sharing with the panel that Ms Giffords has been to Newtown before. The first time she came was shortly after 12/14.

"It was one of the most moving experiences of my life to see her offer her support to those families who were still raw in their grief," said Senator Blumenthal. "She has been so strong and courageous. Thank you, Gabby, for all you have done."

Press Conference, Vocal Majority Bus

After the roundtable's discussion concluded inside, everyone was invited to meet in front of the Edmond Town Hall for a press conference with speakers Robin Lloyd of Americans for Responsible Solutions; Po Murray of Newtown Action Alliance; Ron Pinciaro of Connecticut Against Gun Violence; Senator Blumenthal; Congresswoman Esty; and Ms Giffords.

Community members adorned with the organization's stickers, hats, and signs lined up in front of the Vocal Majority Bus to show their support.

In the crowd was Newtown resident, Sharon Poarch, who actively works with the Newtown Action Alliance. She has traveled to Washington, DC advocating for common sense gun laws.

When asked why it was so important for her to come out see Ms Giffords she said, "She is so inspiring. I wanted to see her in person and hear what she had to say."

What Ms Giffords had to say moved the crowd to cheers and applause.

"Stopping gun violence takes courage," she said. "The courage to do what's right. The courage for new ideas. I've seen great courage when my life was on the line. Now is the time to come together. Be responsible. Democrats, Republicans, everyone - we must never stop fighting."

With strength and passion she raised her fist in the air and chanted, "Fight, fight, fight!"

She concluded her moving speech by saying, "Be bold. Be courageous. The nation's counting on you. Thank you."

To learn more about Vocal Majority Bus Tour visit thevocalmajority.com.

To watch the complete video coverage of the Vocal Majority Bus Tour at the Edmond Town Hall, visit  on Facebook.Americans For Responsible Solutions