WASHINGTON — It was one of the largest gatherings in recent history.
Tens of thousands of people from Hawaii and Houston to Virginia and Vermont took to the streets in the nation’s capital to call for an end to gun violence and to urge Congress to change gun-control laws.
Saturday’s march — which drew an estimated 800,000 to Washington, D.C and thousands more to companion marches across the nation — was sparked by the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., where seventeen students and adults were killed.
People carried signs along Pennsylvania Avenue in support of students and other victims of gun violence while criticizing and calling on lawmakers and the National Rifle Association to join in efforts to change gun laws.
“It was very powerful and inspirational,” said protester Jeff Marchioni. He said he admired how adults allowed youngsters to lead. 
“They kept the focus on the kids because the kids are at the forefront of this movement,” said Marchioni. “It was very fair of them to let the kids speak. I don’t think there was anyone over 18 that gave a speech.”
College students, faculty and administrators across the nation also participated in the day-long event.
