Columbia, SC (WLTX) -- Hundreds of thousands are expected to participate in the March For Our Lives rally in Washington D.C. on Saturday.
They will be demanding an end to gun violence and mass shootings in schools. Their petition asked elected officials for three things: to ban the sale of assault weapons, prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines, and close the loophole in background check law.
As of Friday morning, more than 266,000 people have signed the online March For Our Lives petition.
There is a similar march taking place in Columbia, where hundreds of people are expected to attend.
"It's horrible that that has become our reality. I couldn't imagine going through a tragedy like the kids at Parkland did, where they lost friends and teachers," said Deanna Smith.
Smith is a senior at Ninety Six High School in Greenwood, and she is a youth organizer with the local march.
"It's always kind of rolling the dice. Will today be the day that I don't come home? Should I make sure I tell my mom I love her before I leave?"
That's why she is taking part in Saturday's March For Our Lives.
"March For Our Lives just seemed important for me to be part of because I am still in school. Even though I'm going to be graduating soon, this is something that still affects me," said Smith.
Students across the country are saying enough is enough, as they try to speak for change.
"If we don't make our voices heard, then we aren't making a difference that we will be living," she said.
The next generation speaking out, making their voices heard, and they'll continue to do so until they see a difference.
"This has triggered a tidal wave of young people to register to vote and actually make the difference they want."
Saturday's March For Our Lives starts at 10 A.M. at the corner of Calhoun and Sumter Streets, and participants will march to the State House.
Here is a complete list of what is happening at the State House, starting at 11 A.M.
