'No Kings' Rally Draws Hundreds

Photos by Tracy Murrell

A large crowd participated in a Flag Day rally in downtown Newaygo, one of the multitude of protests against the Administrative Policies of President Trump that took place across the nation on Saturday. The local branch of Indivisible organized the rally and also collected donations of food and toiletry items for the Veterans Home in Grand Rapids as well as for local veterans in need.
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The nationwide events coincided with a military parade in Washington D.C. while protests took place in all 50 states.
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Richard Fitzpatrick, a former state representative who now makes his home  in Newaygo was impressed by the turnout.

“When I left my home Saturday morning, I had my fingers crossed that I’d be joining at least 30 or 40 others in downtown Newaygo for the “No Kings” protest.  Still, with minimal news coverage and little chatter on local Facebook pages, I was mentally prepared for their being fewer.
“I can’t recall ever being more pleasantly surprised than when I saw 300 to 400 lined from the River to the stoplight!”
“Parking and joining the crowd, I came across quite a few friends and made numerous new ones.  It was an amazing array of folks – some pushing baby strollers while others pushed their oxygen tanks.  Many commenting on how this was the first “protest” they’d ever participated in. Every sign was home-made and heart-felt. The positive response of cars honking while driving by, was also encouraging. This was community grassroots at its best.  Hurray for Newaygo!”