HAVERHILL — Nationwide, millions of Americans stood by on sidewalks and street corners, raising their voices in unison in a picket-sign-wielding effort to “save democracy” as many protestors put it.
Saturday rallied more than 2,000 communities together, and many of those gatherings took root within the region.
In Haverhill, the protest began at Central Plaza off Water Street but quickly spilled onto surrounding sidewalks as nearly a thousand demonstrators turned out.
Salem, N.H., also saw its share of enthusiastic protestors, despite a smattering of counter-protesters.
In Plaistow, N.H., the No Kings protest prompted hundreds to gather along Main Street by the Town Hall, ringing cowbells over a sea of supportive horns and classic rock anthems.
They were part of a cross-country coalition of folks claiming President Trump poses an authoritarian threat that opposes the norms of democracy.
They weren’t there to celebrate, but to remind the country that America was founded in rejection of kings. Protestors weren’t shy to share concerns regarding governmental overreach, federal immigration raids, and a number of the current administration’s policies.
Activist groups across the region volunteered to organize each “No Kings” demonstration. Judy Eskin of Greater Andover Indivisible said that Saturday’s movement was a reminder to “Trump and his enablers that America has never had a king, and will never accept one.”
Haverhill steps up
In Haverhill, folks held signs that read slogans like, “NO KINGS SINCE 1776,” “I like I.C.E. in my drinks, not in my streets,” and “HATE WILL NOT MAKE US GREAT.”
One group of demonstrators marched in a single file line, resembling a Cucaracha dance, chanting “Trump for prison.”
Downtown rang with rhyming refrains and honking horns in support. But the backing from passing cars wasn’t unanimous, as many drivers rolled down their windows to shout or signal their opposition.
One man in a pickup truck, stopped in traffic beside the protest, held his arms outside of the passenger-side window: one hand holding a miniature American flag and the other holding a “TRUMP” sticker.
“What’s up with all the violent protests?” the passenger said, grinning as he agitated the crowd.
His question prompted a wave of demonstrators shouting “goodbye,” and “have a nice day,” ushering the truck along.
“I told him, ‘Have a good day! The light is green. Please move along with your day,” said Sadie Burns. “And then he spun his tires at us and smoked up the whole sidewalk.”
As the traffic cleared ahead, the truck “rolled coal,” belching black smoke from its exhaust pipe onto the sidewalk before darting away. The crowd scattered for a moment, coughing from the haze of exhaust, before returning to their posts and continuing their work.
Burns and Meleana Lugo said they drove from Rochester, N.H., to join Haverhill’s No Kings.
“This is the right thing to do,” said Burns. “We care about people who don’t have a voice; who don’t have a say; who have already been kicked out of this country and are suffering right now.”
Michael Bresnahan and his family were just down the road, singing a similar tune.
“It’s really important for us as a people to come out and demonstrate,” said Bresnahan. “To show up in a non-violent protest; this is what needs to happen for change.”
But on an opposing street corner from the Bresnahans was a collection of counter-protestors equipped with huge “TRUMP” flags.
One of them, Michael Grammont, proudly let his flag wave through the downtown winds, claiming he attended “to show support for President Trump.”
“We don’t have a king,” he said. “I think it [No Kings] is a tantrum. They didn’t get their way, so they’re coming out now.”
Salem shows up
In Salem, N.H., a few hundred people stood together, their voices dominating the intersection, their message heard loud and clear.
“The registrations have gone through the roof,” said Donna Loranger, chair of the Salem Democratic Party. “People are realizing that this administration is pushing the envelope too much and it is enough.”
She said that Salem should expect rallies to continue throughout the summer as there’s plenty more work to be done.
Among the protestors was Aaron Tornberg, who expressed frustration with Trump over his “disregard for the rule of law” as well as a lack of “checks and balances.”
“His own personal enrichment has been his primary focus,” Tornberg said. “I find that to be very king-like which is what today is all about.”
Similar to Haverhill, cars floored through the intersection, heckling the crowd and throwing middle fingers in their direction. Regardless, signs with illustrations of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the State of Liberty remained raised.
Plaistow turns out
Attending the No Kings rally in Plaistow, N.H., was Allison Carvalho, with her children and partner, continuing what seems to be a family tradition of progressivism. The Saturday before, the Carvalhos marched through downtown Haverhill as part of the city’s first-ever Pride Parade.
“These protests do make a difference and we need to keep protecting those who are being harmed,” Carvalho said. “People are hoping to keep things peaceful and make a difference. Nobody wants to get hurt.”
And while the demonstration remained peaceful, many were tested by one woman, Janice Devlin, draped in a sweater stitched with stars and stripes, who shouted pro-Trump mantras like “We love D.J.T.,” all while walking her dog on a leash.
“They don’t believe that Donald Trump is doing a good job and he’s a king, which I do not believe at all,” Devlin said. “He’s not a king. He’s trying to do the best he can for the country and we love him for it.”