Thousands of demonstrators gather in Philadelphia for 'No Kings' march and rally
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Tens of thousands of people marched in Philadelphia on Saturday as part of the "No Kings" protest, a nationwide day of action for participants to speak out against President Donald Trump's agenda on his 79th birthday.
"Philadelphia is the epicenter of American democracy. This is where the birthplace of our Declaration of Independence happened. And it's important we send the message that we do not do kings in America," said Tara Setmayer, who marched as part of The Seneca Project.
The nationwide protest has been named "No Kings," the title in response to the president's military parade.
"I think that's awful. That's what authoritarians do," said Laura Grossi-Tyson from North Wales.
It is a notable day in the country; besides the president's birthday, it's also Flag Day and the 250th birthday of the Army.
"I don't think it's about celebrating the Army," Marcus Flowers, an Army veteran, said in response to the parade. "I think this about him. His birthday. I think he's politicizing and weaponizing our army right now, our military."
Many of the marchers carried signs, supporting different causes including immigration. The timing of the protest also comes as the President has deployed the National Guard and Marines over anti-ICE and immigration detainment protests.
Others marched for education, the environment, and women's rights, to name a few.
"When I was first married in 1974, I couldn't have a credit card in my name. I could be on my husband's but I couldn't have a credit card in my name," said Donna Hoch, who marched for women's rights.
Some chose this as a teaching moment for the next generation.
"They need to see democracy in action, and democracy is people coming out and protesting when unjust things happen," said Todd Wolfson, who brought his three children to the protest.
The march ended with a rally on Eakins Oval, where speakers gave their thoughts on the state of the country.
"You've seen 89 years of this country. How do you describe this era that we're in?" Action News asked Lucy Bell Sellers, an 89-year-old protestor.
"Devastating. I mean really striking at all the things that our country has stood for," she said.
The protests were held ahead of the military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
The event, which also falls on President Trump's 79th birthday, begins at 6:30 p.m.
