MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – More than 2,000 protests took place against President Donald Trump on Saturday, which marked his 79th birthday.
Over 4,000 protesters gathered in Marquette along US-41, in protest for what has come to be known as No Kings Day.
“This is what democracy looks like,” said one protester. “We’re so proud of Marquette.”
The protest was organized by Lake Superior Region Indivisible, an Upper Peninsula chapter under the Indivisible movement. The movement has proven to grow since its formation in February, rallying thousands of Yoopers of all ages, each with a number of reasons to show up.
“It’s just so gratifying, and it shows our strength that the people do have the power” said LSRI Organizer, Martha Fitzgerald.
“I think that I’m encouraged by the age range of people that are at this rally,” said protester Linda Storms. “I always thank the younger people for being here because, the more we have of younger people being involved, to me, its obvious that they’re paying attention.”
After speaking with many of Saturday’s protesters, one word that sums up their participation is ‘hope.’
“We build momentum and we build hope,” said Fitzgerald.
“I have a favorite line from the Shawshank Redemption,” said one protester. “Towards the end of the movie, the main character says, ‘Hope is a good thing, and good things never die.’ I guess that helps me, and maybe it’d help others.”
Marquette wasn’t the only U.P. city involved in Saturday’s protests. Escanaba, St. Ignace, and Sault St. Marie all reported large turnouts.
The U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade took place on Saturday, coinciding along with President Trump’s birthday. For more details, visit wzmq19.com.