WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Judy Shepard stood before a massive crowd at the Capitol on Sunday for a single, painful reason. Sunday's National Equality March in Washington coincided with National Coming Out Day. "I'm here today because I lost my son to hate." Her gay son, Matthew Shepard, was kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998. He died five days later in a hospital. More than 10 years later, Judy Shepard addressed the thousands of gay rights activists in Washington who wrapped up Sunday's National Equality March with a rousing rally at the Capitol. iReport.com: See photos from the march
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NEW: Mother of Matthew Shepard addresses crowd: "We are all Americans"
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Marchers pass near the White House on the way to the Capitol
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Activists and supporters urge federal protection of gay, lesbian citizens
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March comes day after President Obama voiced support for gays in military
Judy Shepard
Judy Shepard
Whether or not he can live wherever he wants to live and whether or not he can be with the one person he loves -- no one has that right," @placeholder told the crowd.
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Washington
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The activists marched through @placeholder, calling for an end to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy and equality in marriage.