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Carol Mccormick, a Delaware native, can still remember protesting the Vietnam War.

“I’ve seen my country go through a lot of tough things,” she said. “But if we can stop being so afraid, we can really stand up and do something.”

Mccormick was one of the thousands of people who participated in a “No Kings” protest at Old College Hall in newark on June 14 to make a difference.

All generations of protesters, from young to old, in crowns and various paraphernalia, gathered to decry President Donald Trump‘s military parade in Washington, D.C., on the same day as his 79th birthday.

The Newark event was one of at least six “No Kings” protests planned in Delaware on June 14.

State Reps. Frank Burns and Mera Gordon, as well as the Rev. Cynthia Robinson of Newark’s New Art United Church, led protesters in chants.

“We unite today in the face of loud fury,” Robinson said in a fiery speech. “We must face it with a love-fueled fire.”

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer made a surprise appearance, delivering passionate remarks once again after attending what he called a “slightly smaller gathering in Wilmington.”

“I am commander of the Delaware National Guard,” Meyer said at one point. “And we are prepared to stand up and fight back if needed.”

Despite messages warning Delawareans of a national crisis,the protest was peaceful and at times even lighthearted. The crowd playfully toyed with a Trump impersonator, seated on stage in a “throne,” and booed as he gestured toward his “subjects.”

A march after the gathering proceeded down Main street to honking horns and shouts of support.

A police presence guided the large group, along with a group of trained volunteers working with organizer indivisible Newark to ensure the event’s safety.

“We really wanted to make sure we did this right,” organizer Judi Davidson Wolf said. “Safely and peacefully, but still getting our message across.”

The size of the gathering spoke to Davidson Wolf, giving her hope for what’s to come.

“It’s incredible to see this many people come together,organizing in the name of what they feel is right; it’s way more than we even expected,” she said. “Seeing this great turnout of community hear in Newark is heartening for our future.”

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the “No Kings” protest about?

The “No Kings” protest was organized to decry President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington,D.C., which coincided with his 79th birthday.

Where did the Newark protest take place?

The newark protest was held at old College Hall.

Who participated in the Newark protest?

Thousands of people participated, including State Reps. Frank Burns and Mera Gordon,the Rev. Cynthia Robinson, and Delaware Gov.matt Meyer.