 Protesters the rhetoric used during the election cycle held rallies across the world in support of the Women's March on Washington While many of the rallies were held in major cities nearly 500 marchers walked through Bemidji Armelle Meyer has more from this weekend's events The event drew a much larger turnout than expected This is amazing Pam Lem organized event because she wanted those who are unable to travel to DC or other major cities like Minneapolis to be able to participate. We're so remote from the other areas and I feel like We need to band together band together against messages of intolerance Martin Graefa says he was happy to see that the crowd included some men. I think it's important as a country to Express our respect and our solidarity for women Ellie Carger says she was encouraged by her mom to come out in March Sue Alice says she is marching for this younger generation. They deserve to have respect They should be strong But what started as a march for women's rights soon turned into much more than that for some This was a time to speak up for others all people of this country should feel that they have just as much right To their life as anyone else in Bemidji. I'm Mal Meyer Lakeland news According to the Women's March officials over half a million people attended the March in Washington, DC If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland public television