"No Kings" was the unmistakable message of a rally of the same name held Friday evening at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn.
Organized by Indivisible Cayuga, the rally featured live music and several speakers. It was held in conjunction with several "No Kings" rallies planned for Saturday, the day President Trump has organized a $45 million military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday and, many believe, the president's own 79th birthday. However, Indivisible Cayuga moved the rally to Friday to avoid conflicting with Auburn's annual Juneteenth celebration.
More than 200 people attended the rally. Speakers included Brian Teucke, of Auburn, a U.S. Army veteran who served a 12-month tour of Afghanistan.
鈥淲hen bad actors are in office, our service members do not get the chance to serve their country," he said. "They are forced to serve the forces of fascism, hate, authoritarianism, the one percent, and others who exploit and harm those in our communities."
Also speaking were Tia Gilliam, founder of Auburn's Juneteenth celebration, Harriet Tubman descendant Deanna Stanford Walz and local retired teacher Bruce MacBain. Performing "This Land is Your Land" and other songs were musicians Ron Van Nostrand, Dan Cleveland, Bob Lyna, Marjorie Witty, Don Watkins and Linda Webster. The rally ended with a recitation of the oath of office.
"Throughout the event, participants rang bells and waved flags to signal their patriotism and their opposition to autocracy," Indivisible Cayuga said in a news release.
Attendees of a "No Kings" rally Friday in Auburn hold signs for motorists driving by.
David Wilcox, 水果派AV
Attendees of a "No Kings" rally Friday in Auburn hold signs for motorists driving by.
David Wilcox, 水果派AV
Attendees of a "No Kings" rally Friday in Auburn hold signs for motorists driving by.
David Wilcox, 水果派AV
Attendees of a "No Kings" rally Friday in Auburn listen to speakers.
David Wilcox, 水果派AV
New York State Sen. Rachel May聽speaks at a "No Kings" rally Friday in Auburn.
David Wilcox, 水果派AV
About 200 people attend聽a "No Kings" rally Friday in Auburn.
