Gov. Dayton declares 'March for Our Lives Day' ahead of Saturday's rally

Harding High School students joined the national school walkout Wednesday to protest gun violence. 

Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed Saturday, March 24 "March for Our Lives Day" in Minnesota. 

Minnesota students, teachers, parents and others are planning to march from Harriet Island in St. Paul to the state Capitol on Saturday to encourage legislative action to increase school safety and reduce gun violence. The rally starts at 9 a.m.

“I applaud the thousands of brave students, teachers, and families who are marching in Minnesota and across the country, to speak out against senseless gun violence in our communities,” Gov. Dayton said in a statement. 

Minnesota's march is one of many taking place across the country this weekend. More than 250 Minnesota students are on their way to Washington, D.C. to join the national March for Our Lives, organized by the survivors of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The demonstration is expected to draw about 500,000 people.