SCRANTON -- Busloads of people left our area Friday morning to take part in the March for Life rally in Washington DC.
Newswatch 16 was there as the demonstrators boarded the bus in Scranton.
A group of students from Holy Cross High School in Dunmore left Thursday.
It was before dawn when dozens of people boarded a bus in Scranton on a mission to protect the lives of the unborn.
"I'm really excited to be there," said Brianna Jenkins of Pittston. "The atmosphere is going to be so much fun."
This trip sponsored by Pennsylvanians for Human Life Scranton Chapter included many people feeling new optimism in the pro-life effort, especially with the Trump administration declaring itself pro-life.
"So, I'm encouraged, I'm not sure if they can really go against the current momentum against Roe vs. Wade but people have to take a stand for righteousness," said Frank Ross of Tunkhannock.
"I'm deeply humbled to stand before you today, deeply humbled to be the first Vice President of the United States to ever have the privilege to attend this historic gathering," said Vice President Mike Pence at the rally in Washington Friday afternoon.
Busloads of people from all over our area were there to see history, the most direct support from an administration in the 44-year history of the march.
"We hear you. We see you. We respect you," said presidential adviser Kellyanne Conway.
"So far, a few days into it, he's done some good work for the pro-life (movement) and I hope that President Trump keeps up to his commitments and protects the unborn," said Bob Seeley of South Canaan.
"Mike Pence, that's no surprise," said Tony DePaola, Pennsylvanians for Human Life. "He has a long track record of being pro-life and we hope he keeps Donald Trump in line with what he's promised so far."
Those at this march have much different political views than most of the people at the March for Women just days ago.
It has been a divisive week in Washington and lots of people from our area have been there for it.
"It's a free country and people are allowed to believe what they want. me being pro-life doesn't mean I'm going to discriminate against people who aren't. But I'm going to fight for what I believe in," said Jenkins.
Those from our area who made the trip say they are optimistic that President Trump will choose a pro-life Supreme Court nominee to fill the open seat and maybe more during the next four years.