They boarded buses at daybreak to get to Washington in time for the speeches and demonstrations. One Raleigh mother, Kate Bush, said she was going because she "would hope it's not a fear for my daughter."
Rachel Smith, a North Carolina organizer, said she felt the presence of so many moms sent a powerful message.
The goal of the Million Mom March is to convince Congress to enact stronger handgun laws.
Some mothers who made the trip have already lost a child to gun violence, as has Ethel Crisp of Durham.
Kyle Hampton of Raleigh said he felt that dads and kids should attend as well.
While the Million Mom March was held on the National Mall, nearby a counter-demonstration was staged by theSecond Amendment Sisters. They feel guns are needed for self-protection.
Those who took part in the Million Mom March said they would not have spent the day any other way. About 750,000 people were estimated to have participated in the event.
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