Fremont Rally Echoes ‘Hands Off’

A peaceful protest at Veteran’s Park

On Saturday  nationwide protests  drew hundreds of thousands of demonstrators across the country who turned out to express their displeasure  toward  the policies and actions of the Trump administration with a primary theme of ‘Hands Off!’ related to Social Security, Schools, Veteran’s benefits, National Parks and more.
While cities across the country as well as throughout the globe held huge rallies, the far reaching demonstrations were not limited to the larger cities and urban areas but scattered throughout the smaller towns and rural areas as well. In Michigan dozens of locations from Pentwater to Paw Paw and Bellaire to Bad Axe saw large groups of citizens communicating their discontent.
Including Fremont.
Somewhere around 200 people gathered at Veteran’s Park on a Saturday afternoon  carrying signs and waving banners while receiving drive by support from many passing vehicles. Here’s what some of the participants had to say about the event:

“The peaceful demonstrations this Saturday were very powerful. It was a way for everyone to show their support for the constitution and support for each other in this difficult time.
"We had all ages from young to old and all walks of life coming together as a solid unit. It helped to have the community know each other better and people went away feeling uplifted . There were many first time demonstrators I talked with that told me they felt better because of coming.
"Courage is Contagious!”
- Eileen Homan
 
“The enthusiasm at the event was palpable. Nobody was certain as to how many would show up and, at the end of the day, numbers were close to 200! Spirits were high, strangers were introducing themselves to each other, more than a few people brought multiple signs and shared them with those who were without.
"There was a young woman, 16 years old, who was very interested in going into politics, there was a woman in a walker, there was a man walking down the opposite side of the street leading everyone in a chant. The positivity shown by people driving by, honking horns, shouting encouragement, thanking the peaceful protesters, and flashing thumbs up was validating and joy filled.
​"I left feeling determined and hopeful. This is what democracy looks like”
- Vinnie Sutherland

"It was incredibly powerful to witness over 200 people come together in our rural town, with countless others driving by, honking, and giving thumbs up in solidarity. This national day of protest against Trump/Musk policies, policies that disproportionately harm rural communities, struck a chord here.
​"For Indivisible Newaygo County, it was vital to hold a march locally, to remind people that they are not alone, even in a deep red county. Folks from Oceana, Muskegon, and northern Kent County stood alongside Newaygo residents, united in their frustration and committed to standing up for justice and equity in our communities."
-Michelle Petz
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Indivisible of Newaygo County helped organize the event. For further information about the organization email them at  i[email protected] ​