More than 1,000 parents, children and community leaders rallied in the Bronx Saturday against violence in New York City and the United States.

Some marchers say they were inspired to participate by the Mother's Day holiday. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. joined the protest and called upon President Barack Obama to pass national gun control laws to prevent guns from ending up in the Bronx.

Bronx residents say many guns used in fatal crimes in the borough are purchased both legally and illegally in other states. Those who have lost loved ones to gun violence say taking guns off the street is the first step in decreasing crimes.

"Children, teenagers, everyone put down the guns, get involved in a Bible-based church, a community center, something," Gloria Cruz, of the Bronx, says. "Keep yourself busy so you can grow up and have a future."

Police say Bronx residents can still turn in guns anonymously at any police station.