Saturday, March 24 was the day students made history. Just a few days after national school walkouts, thousands of people across the United States and around the globe marched in pursuit to end school shootings and gun violence in America. March For Our Lives is a student-led rally filled with people of all ages, races and backgrounds.

The march took place in numerous cities across America, including Washington D.C., Raleigh, and 800 others. With over two million marching, it was the second largest protest and the largest student-led protest in U.S. history.

“I support the marches and the cause, I’m really glad that students are now standing up for what they believe in,” said Maddy Desautels, sophomore.

Marchers protested for universal background checks, raising the federal age of gun ownership to 21, closing the gun show loophole and a ban on assault weapons.

The march in Raleigh was opened by U.S. Democratic Representative David Price before thousands marched down Fayetteville street with signs, chanting “Vote them out!” and “This is what democracy looks like!”  

The crowd was addressed by many speakers as participants huddled in to the Halifax mall. Aaron Wolf, a survivor of the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, delivered a powerful speech about how he hid in a basement to save his life, and how 10 years later his five year old daughter is learning what to do if a gunman enters their school.

“I think that it is great that students are getting involved in a movement that they feel strongly about, and they are using their voices to create change,” said Abby Wesson, junior.

The speech hit home for many students who have gone through these code red drills, as well as parents who now fear for their child’s safety at schools.

The march gained support of many celebrities who praise the students bravery. Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Lin Manuel Miranda and Ben Platt were among the performers at the rally in Washington D.C. Many donated money to the cause, including George and Amal Clooney who donated 500,000 dollars.

“It was very inspiring to see so many people from our generation standing up for what they believe in and I feel grateful to have been a part of something so important,” said Mollie Clary, senior.