USA flags, Mexico flags, and Pride flags flew at the protest.
It was a chill yet inspiring community gathering.
Parents explained to their kids what was going on.
One little kid said, "There's a lot of Americans on the bridge."
Their parent replied, "Yes, but not just Americans, this demonstration is for and by lots of different kinds of people."
Another little kid was there with their family and was playing the bagpipes (a small sized bagpipes!) while the family was marching across the bridge.
People brought signs, wore LGBTQ+ t-shirts, or just came as themselves. A few people used wheelchairs.
Strength In Numbers estimates 4 to 6 million people were at protests on Saturday, with thousands of people at many locations.
An estimated 450 people protesting at the highway overpass was smaller than others, but felt very visible. And that's not counting all the truck and car drivers honking to lend their support, which must be hundreds or thousands more over a few hours.
I think many people who are motivated to come to a protest are the same people who have been incredibly stressed out by the recent political changes.
It can help to feel less scared and alone to see a crowd of people who are showing their public support for you and others.
I heard "stay safe" from many people before attending the protest, but I feel far more unsafe from the threat of my health insurance being taken away, my rights and legal documentation being called into question, my ability to enter and leave the country, access my medication, or just use a public bathroom or sports facility.
And I also feel for my friends who are not US citizens or were not born in the US, but still have considered here their home for decades.
There was almost no police presence at this protest, perhaps 5 police cars in total, the local cops watching calmly from a distance. A few volunteers in safety vests from the community were directing foot traffic, "stay to the right, let people through."
Cars and trucks were honking as they drove under the pedestrian overpass to show their support. The folks on the overpass were cheering and waving at the folks in the vehicles.
"Honk honk honk honk honk honk!"
When the train went by and whistled, a big cheer went up.
I was touched and felt incredibly emotional that all these strangers cared enough to fight for my rights, and our rights.
I stayed long enough to watch the protesters peacefully disperse as well.
The local geese were like, "finally, the humans have learned how to honk to express themselves!" 😉
Did you attend a No Kings day protest? Let us know how it went in the comments.
Do you appreciate on-the-ground reporting of what it was like at the protest? Please consider contributing to my tip jar if you are able. It really helps me continue this kind of work:
Take care,
Rey
