Seattle woman joins massive march in D.C.

Pictures taken high above the streets show why estimates place the size of the Washington, D.C., crowd at upward of a half-million people.

But only from the ground can you get a sense of the energy that poured into the city for the march and rally.

Joan Sharp grew up in Redmond and has lived in Washington for three years.

“It's a celebration but it's also with all the serious issues being addressed. I think people taking those issues very seriously,” she said.

Perhaps the word that covers it all is passion. The march is a passionate response to what they see as the new president's insults to women and disregard for civil rights.

Margarett Boyle lives in Seattle's Phinney Neighborhood.

“This is America. On this street right now, this is America, this is our America,” she said marveling at the diversity of the crowd.

But as big as the crowd, as bold as the passion, will the huge marches here and around the country make any real difference.

Asked if it may be a little discouraging that her grandparents had to march for justice like this, Bellevue native Mariel Frank responded: “It's discouraging but it also shows me how important it is to be here today.”

Audra Guise flew in from Seattle. “I really hope that all of our voice are heard and that he knows that we are going to be holding him accountable,” she said.

There is no overarching plan to turn huge events like this into effective action, but participants say their passion shouldn't be underestimated.

Asked what she would say to someone from the other side who would just scoff at the symbolic protest, Margaret Boyle responded, “I feel sorry for them.”

There has been no word from President Donald Trump on the march or the size of the crowd.

Cox Media Group