March for Our Lives participants: 'We're the future. We're the change'

USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Teen voices stand tall during the March for Our Lives Protesters explain why they’ve had #enough and give their thoughts on gun control during the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., March 24, 2018.

During the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., on March 24, we asked demonstrators to answer one question: What are your thoughts on the argument that students are "too young" to weigh in on the gun control debate?

If you can get shot and murdered by guns, I think you have the right to have an opinion.

Emma Friedman; Silver Spring, Md.

I think that (pro-gun people) are too old to know what's going on in high schools. I mean, this is our lives that are at stake. I don't think they should be the ones who are deciding what happens to us. Schools are for books not bullets, right?

Ethan Goldman; Durham, N.C.

I think that's stupid because we are the victims here. We are the students. We are the victims and we are also the change.

Violeta Scott; Silver Spring, Md.

If the adults aren't talking about (gun control), we should be the ones. If they're not taking action, it has to go into our hands. We're the future. We're the change.

Maddie Larson; Newtown, Conn.

The National Rifle Association has a history of speaking out against anyone who disagrees with it. I feel like it's just using these kids' ages as an excuse.

Grabrielle Middlebrook; Raleigh, N.C.

We, as teenagers, are just so affected by gun violence. My school had a lockdown a few days ago because there was a report of man with a gun. We were just so terrified because we thought we were going to die. I'm just so angry that the NRA isn't doing anything. And I think it's really unfair that it's discrediting us, especially since we're so affected by this.

I'm very passionate about politics so I'm just going to canvass and try to raise awareness for this issue.

Caroline Dana; Reston, Va.

That doesn't make any sense. It's our future, it's our lives, we should be allowed to talk about what matters.

NRA, you suck.

Hayden Salhoffer; Gaithersburg, Md.

I might only be 16 but I care about my life. And we care that other people have died because of these horrible tragedies around the countries.

We might be young but we do care.

Gabriela Diaz; Newark, N.J.

We're the only ones who should be weighing in on this issue. We're the ones who are the future, right?

Laurel; Chicago

They're not too young to get killed, they're not too young to speak. They know what they want. They know what they believe and they know what's right.

Cecilia Bond; Silver Spring, Md.

They are leading us. These kids are not too young. We let them down, so they're doing the work.

Linda Burton; Baltimore

My kid is in kindergarten and they had a play possum drill at school, so at that point I think the kids have a right to speak.

The NRA needs to work on gun reform or we're going to do it for it.

Dolores Montgomery; Pennsylvania

They're the ones who are losing their lives so I think they have a voice.

Lorraine Shapiro; Baltimore

As an older woman, I'm watching these kids having to protest to be safe in schools, and it's just morally wrong. They shouldn't have to do that. These kids are not too young to know what they're talking about. We need to be listening to them.

Kathleen, Grandmas for Gun Control; Minneapolis

We're the next generation and we're building our future, and I think the decision is ultimately up to us. We are the people who are going to be ruling this country one day and it should be up to the young people in this nation to make the decisions.

I would like the NRA to see us all out here today and know that we are here, and we are challenging them. And I hope that they are scared and that they are ready for us.

Elena Keller; Raleigh, N.C.

One day we're all going to be 18 and we should start thinking about policies as soon as possible.

David Oman; Poolesville, Md.

That's incorrect. We're the ones who would be affected by a school shooting, along with the teachers. We deserve for our voices to be heard.

Joe Kidner; Tacoma Park, Md.

If I'm old enough to vote and I'm old enough to go to college, how am I too young to have an opinion (on gun control)?

I'm planning on voting for the officials who are also for gun reform.

Rachel Mills; Claymont, Del.

We're going to shape the future so it's important for young people to know what's going on in the world. We're quite aware of what's going on. This affecting our schools, our classmates, our friends and it's very violent. We don't want anything to happen in our schools and we know that we need to take action on (gun control).

I'm going to do more research as the years go on. I'm 15 right now, so I'm going to have about three years. I'm going to have a lot of time to think about it, but I'm definitely holding (elected officials) accountable. The things happening today are not acceptable.

Miranda Kipler; Arlington, Va.

Anyone who could be a victim of dying today is old enough to speak out against the NRA.

Bridgete Pelicano; Leesburg, Va.

Students can provide a new outlook on the issue at the moment. And I think we're doing a great job at it.

Emily Hyatt; Frederick, Md.

My nephew is marching in Seattle today, he's 12 years old, and he has a sign that says "I am a citizen."

Danielle Rususki; Chicago

I don't think these kids are too young. Look at the movement they've created. Age really doesn't matter in this situation. I'm really proud of all of them.

Robert Birch; Washington, D.C.

First of all, it's sad that as kids we have to get involved. We have to be afraid of going to school these days. It doesn't matter what age you are, you should still get involved in your community.

Trevor Mondenielle; Philadelphia

I don't think age matters. They're lives are being impacted by guns and so they need to have a say in it.

Linda Curnihan; Columbus, Ohio

Times have changed. There were no AR-15s back when the Constitution was made so (the Second Amendment) is not a valid argument anymore.

Samantha Denicolla; New York

(Elected officials) should pay attention because this generation is coming up, and they're coming for 'em. (Elected officials) have to wise up or they're going to be out of the job.

John; Detroit

More guns are not going to solve the problem. Just like we're not arming everyone with a suicide bomb to stop suicide bombers. Teaching is stressful enough. We do not need to arm teachers.

Jodi Gayle; Washington, D.C.

The more guns you have, the more people who are going to be killed. Apparently, only 32% of Americans even own guns. We're being held hostage by 32% of the population, the NRA and these gun-toting people. Banning assault weapons is the most efficient way to effect change.

Gayle Santamaria; Montgomery Village, Ma.

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