Anonymous' 'Million Mask March' protests corruption

Demonstrators, including supporters of the group Anonymous, march in a protest against corrupt governments and corporations in front of the White House in Washington, DC, Nov. 5, 2013, as part of a Million Mask March of similar rallies around the world on Guy Fawkes Day.

By Shawna Thomas and Becky Bratu, NBC News

Masked marchers gathered in front of the White House Tuesday to protest against corporations and corruption in government as part of similar rallies held around the world on Guy Fawkes Day, Nov. 5 — which is primarily celebrated in the United Kingdom. 

Members of the hacking activist group Anonymous called for demonstrations in more than 450 locations around the world as part of a Million Mask March on the day that marks the anniversary of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot that failed to blow up the English Parliament.

Protesters in Washington, D.C., made their way to Pennsylvania Avenue chanting, "Obama. Come out. We've got some s*** to talk about," among other things.

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Jon Croteau, of Washington, D.C., said he was demonstrating to make his voice heard"We just want the government to represent the people," he said.  A woman from Pennsylvania who gave her name only as Death's Maiden, said it was important for her to push for a better future for her 10-year-old daughter.Several protesters held signs denouncing the National Security Agency's spying programs.In D.C., the protest kicked off at the Washington Monument, and demonstrators marched to the White House from there. Rallies were also expected to take place in major cities such as London, Amsterdam, Cairo, Mumbai and others. On Facebook, the official event description reads: “Remember who your enemies are: Billionaires who own banks and corporations who corrupt politicians who enslave the people in injustice.”The real Guy Fawkes was arrested on Nov. 5, 1605, after British authorities tipped off by an anonymous letter found him guarding explosives meant to blow up the House of Lords and assassinate King James. Fawkes was tortured and executed on Jan. 31, 1606.

The Guy Fawkes masks worn by marchers were designed for the 2005 movie “V for Vendetta,” and have become an anti-authoritarian symbol for the Internet movement Anonymous.