Repost from the Vallejo Times-Herald
[Editor: Alan Zada reported that the Benicia Police Department estimated the crowd at 1500. I’ve added a few of my own photos here. For more great photos, go to Larnie Fox’s Facebook page. – RS]
Benicia teens lead march of about 800: ‘We will vote’
By Richard Freedman, 03/24/18![Many Benicia marchers carried protest signs.](http://image.timesheraldonline.com/storyimage/NH/20180324/NEWS/180329868/AR/0/AR-180329868.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667)
Benicia is known for its numerous parades. Protest marches? Not as much. Until Saturday.
Around 800 residents braved an early morning chill led by students with a NEVER AGAIN banner, getting a jump on the national March for Our Lives with a walk up First Street and speeches at the City Park gazebo.
![Benicia High School students led the morning march up First Street with an estimated 800 participating.](http://image.timesheraldonline.com/storyimage/NH/20180324/NEWS/180329868/EP/1/1/EP-180329868.jpg&maxh=400&maxw=667)
“Brave students have come together to say ‘enough is enough,’” said Assemblyman Tim Grayson, adding that he appeared in Benicia not as a politician, but as the father of a 16-year-old.
“A parent shouldn’t have to wonder if a child is going to be safe at school,” Grayson said.
![](https://i0.wp.com/beniciaindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Elizabeth-Patterson-Benicia-Mayor-MFOL-2018-03-24.png?resize=201%2C300&ssl=1)
“Today we are together, tomorrow we are together and we will still be together until we end gun violence,” proclaimed Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, calling for “a ban of weapons of war on our streets.”
Shannon Sweeney, 17, Benicia Senior Class president and one of the event coordinators, smiled at the turnout of the peaceful march.
“I’ve learned what it’s like to come together with a lot of people to make change,” she said. “It’s nice to see all these people showing up to protect our students and everyone from gun violence.” Continue reading Benicia March For Our Lives
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