Record attendance for Bainbridge Youth March for Peace

The annual Bainbridge Island Youth March For Peace saw record attendance on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 20, with about 230 people taking part in the civic action.

The event, which celebrates the legacy of Dr. King, took place at the Bainbridge Public Library. Kids of all ages wrote letters to the president and local officials, drew or colored pictures, and made signs advocating for peace on earth.

The youth then took to the sidewalk, marching down Madison Avenue to the post office on Winslow Way to mail their letters and spread their message. They were met with supportive honks from passing traffic and applause from passersby.

Upon arrival at the post office, the students sang a song in honor of King.

Art supplies and peace-related coloring pages helped youth share their message and hopes for the future.

Art supplies and peace-related coloring pages helped youth share their message and hopes for the future.

Excitement overtook some youth as the march proceeded down to the post office.

Excitement overtook some youth as the march proceeded down to the post office.

Many kids took their message of peace very seriously.

Many kids took their message of peace very seriously.

Cold or no, youth began their march from the library to Winslow.

Cold or no, youth began their march from the library to Winslow.

Some families and community members rolled to the post office.

Some families and community members rolled to the post office.

Once they arrived at the post office, those who wrote letters placed them in the mail slot.

Once they arrived at the post office, those who wrote letters placed them in the mail slot.