Vet’s Park Rally Brings Draws Hundreds to Downtown Fremont

Despite a rainy morning, a large crowd lined the street along Veterans Park as part of a nationwide “No Kings” event to protest the policies and actions of President Trump and his administration.  According to the group Indivisible, the ‘No Kings’ phrase refers to the principles in the U.S. Constitution that are designed to ensure no one person should have unchecked power.

The event drew substantial crowds from large cities to small towns with over 100 rallies taking place in Michigan alone. In nearby Grant Rapids thousands marched through downtown led by over 2 dozen members of the clergy while another large group gathered at Riverside Park. In Lansing protestors gathered on the Capitol lawn and Heritage Landing was the site for demonstrators in Muskegon. 

Those in attendance at the Fremont event had this to say about Saturday’s protest.

Fremont showed up! Between 350–400 people filled both sides of Main Street near Veterans Park for No Kings 2.0, a powerful show of hope, happiness, and determination to defend democracy. I joined in, costumed as a frog, representing Frogtifa: United we stand, divided we croak! Our small town proved once again that community and courage thrive here. - Michelle Petz 

Today was a great day. The positive energy at these rallies is contagious. It reminds me of a giant family reunion with like-minded people, old friends and people you haven’t run into for ages. We had over 350 people show up at Veterans Memorial Park in Fremont. Lots of honks and thumbs up. The signs and costumes were so creative. -Shari Werner

The No Kings Protest in Fremont hosted by Indivisible Newaygo County, with attendance and support by other organizations and over 350 individuals, was a living testament to the changing tide of support for this president and his administration. Even here in Newaygo County! Our communities know when our administration is putting us on a fast track to dismantling our democracy and allowing one branch of our government to break the checks and balances needed to prevent a dictatorship. It is a fast-moving slippery slope and our people are stepping up to shout and vote ‘No More!’- Sally Waggoner
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Our greatest take-a-ways from the Saturday, October 18th rally supporting democracy and the rule of law from Veterans Memorial Park in Fremont were: 
1) The dramatic reduction of negative response from passing vehicles passengers compared to that response during the last Fremont rally;
2) The increase in numbers of concerned citizens choosing to participate in a peaceful protest action. The depth of concern of the participants over the state of our democracy as demonstrated by their messages on signs.
These things are very encouraging, but we are not "there" yet.  "There" being the return to the rule of law in our country. 
Perhaps our next national rally will draw 10,000,000 and the next 20,000,000 persons. The voices of democracy will be heard.
In the past, they have been heard, think back. Think of how our raised voices helped end apartheid in South Africa.  Think how massive student protests helped bring an end to our misguided war in Vietnam. 
Think and act. -Rod Geers & Kathy Misak 

The White House said there would be terrorists, antifa, and America haters at "No Kings" rallies.  What we saw at the Fremont rally on Saturday were patriots and American flags.  No terrorists, just local citizens who love our democracy and want to protect it.  Oh, there was a clown, several frogs, and a Superman, but even these characters seemed peaceful.  
Nearly 400 citizens gathered along both sides of Main St. at Veterans Park, joining millions more in large cities and small rural villages across America.  "No Kings" was organized in order to push back against the autocratic actions of the Trump Administration and stand up for American democracy.  It was a resounding statement of patriotism.  Will the White House listen?” - George K. Heartwell