(NBC Boston) — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft provided the team plane to fly students and families of the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting to Washington D.C. on Thursday for this weekend's "March for Our Lives" rally against gun violence.
“Mr. Kraft has provided the team plane for the families of the 17 victims to fly from Florida to Washington DC for the March for Our Lives," a Patriots spokesperson said.
The Patriots purchased their new team plane - a Boeing 767 - last year. It's painted with the team's logo and colors, and has five Super Bowl trophies painted on the tail.
The Patriots' gesture was met with several tweets of thanks from the Parkland, Florida travelers.
Across the country, marches are planned in major cities on Saturday, with the main event taking place in Washington.
Boston’s march is expected to be one of the largest. According to the group’s Facebook page, 18,000 have signed up to attend and another 50,000 have expressed interest.
