Video by Steve Zaffarano

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- No one seemed to know it was going to be this big.

What started as a Women's March on Washington turned into a worldwide, day-long event at some 600 locations across the globe drawing participants in the millions.

People from all walks of life marched today for one reason: Women's rights.

While 500,000 people attended the Washington D.C. march, there were more than 200,000 marchers flooding the streets of Manhattan.

And Staten Islanders flocked to both locations -- in droves.

Whether they were boarding the 9 a.m. ferry or a bus at 5 a.m. headed for Washington D.C., hundreds of Staten Islanders participated in the Women's March on Saturday, Jan. 21.

"I went to the Women's March to peacefully show our elected officials that the women of this country will not tolerate injustice of any kind," said Rosanne Mottola, a Staten Islander who went to the NYC women's march on Saturday.

"The march signifies that women will work together to demand equality for all. I am marching to show that we are stronger together, and our voices are deafening when we all speak together. Hate speech -- racist, homophobic, misogynistic, xenophobic, etc...-- will not be tolerated. We have come too far to see this country move backwards," she added.

STATEN ISLANDERS AT WASHINGTON MARCH

Hundreds of Staten Islanders made the five hour bus ride to Washington D.C. to join the march.

"I'm marching in solidarity with my fellow Staten Islanders, both men and women are here supporting the mission of the Women's March on Washington; which is about basic human rights, women's rights, unity, kindness, acceptance and love," said North Shore activist Kamillah Hanks.

"The march was electric; the mood was incredible. Thousands of us came together for a common cause, many had different signs, but in the end, we all felt the need to come to Washington. This movement is significant. It changed my life," she added.

Said Allison Galdoris, another Staten Islander at the march: "The energy here at the Women's March on Washington is electric. I didn't serve in the military, but I am so proud to be marching with our brave veterans of all wars."

NYC WOMEN'S MARCH

The Manhattan march kicked off at 10:45 a.m. at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza near Second Avenue and 48th Street.

A sea of pink "pussycat" hats could be seen down Second Avenue all the way to 42nd Street. The march culminated just a few blocks from Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue at 56th Street.

Shama Dhanani, a St. George resident, who marched in Manhattan, said she was marching for "women's rights, LGBTQ rights and human rights.

"I feel the collective support, the collective momentum to move our agenda for equality for all forward rather than go backwards. I feel hopeful that we will be heard, and the numbers show people are paying attention to basic human rights issues," said Dhanani after the march.

Said Julienne Verdi, a St. George-based attorney and founder of Move Forward Staten Island: "I am so proud to have played a small part in today's historical day. The March in NYC was peaceful, intersectional and inspiring. More than anything, I'm proud that so many of my fellow Staten Islanders came out to make their voices heard."

"Together, we sent a strong message to Washington, Albany, City Hall and the Borough President's office that we are watching and that we demand equality, justice and fairness for all. Today was just the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a long fight, but today gave me so much hope," she added.

Many marchers were impressed by the peaceful demonstration.

"We were surrounded by some of the most incredible, kind, passionate and patriotic people today," said Jessica Indelicato, a member of Move Forward Staten Island.

"I was happy to see so many of my fellow Staten Islanders there standing up for the rights of all Americans. I was also deeply impressed with the positivity of everyone involved -- from my fellow protesters to the incredible NYPD officers who went above and beyond. A beautiful day filled with love. Made me proud to be a New Yorker and an American," she added.

Said Staten Islander Diana Leykam: "We were truly humbled by the enormous outpouring of support. The streets were filled to capacity but everyone was kind, supportive and helpful. We were overwhelmed with pride to be able to partake in such a peaceful unifying and hopeful experience with our fellow friends and New Yorkers."

HAT PROJECT

Lorie Honor of the St. George-based Honor Wines organized the Staten Island-"Pussy Hat Project" over the last few weeks and recently was selected to represent Staten Island at the Washington D.C. march by the NYC Chapter-Women's March on Washington.

"The Pussy Hat making events --which about 25 crocheters and knitters participated in -- donated hats to Staten Island women going to DC. There was wonderful sharing of ideas, skills, networking and most important, community building," she said.

CELEBRITIES SPEAK OUT

From Whoopi Goldberg, who told New York marchers, "What's at stake is everything you believe in," to Madonna who called the Women's March a

"revolution of love," celebrities had their say at the various marches across the country.

GROUPS MARCH FOR A UNIFIED CAUSE

From healthcare workers to ethnic organizations, people from different walks of life also joined the marches on Saturday.

"Homecare workers, who in the New York City area are largely Latina, West Indian and Asian women, work hard every day feeding, clothing and caring for our elderly and disabled community members in the comfort of their own home," said

Yvonne Armstrong, 1199SEIU senior executive vice president.

"Yet, many of these women barely make ends meet and depend on government assistance in order to provide for themselves and their families," she added.



Said Ann Toback, executive director of the Workmen's Circle: "For more than 100 years, the Workmen's Circle has been on the frontlines of social justice action, fighting for workers' rights, women's rights, immigrant rights, and environmental protection. (We marched) in a display of solidarity and commitment to marching, organizing, and fighting back to preserve what is right and just in our world for generations to come."

Women's March in NYC and Washington D.C. 101 Gallery: Women's March in NYC and Washington D.C.

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