SHEBOYGAN – A “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” protest will be organized locally against President Donald Trump and a military parade June 14.
The “No Kings Sheboygan – Peace Not War” protest, sponsored by political organization Lakeshore Indivisible, will be held at Peace Park, along Broughton Drive and at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and North Third Street, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
The day coincides with Flag Day, the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and celebratory parade in Washington, D.C., and Trump’s 79th birthday. Parade organizers and officials have insisted the parade only celebrates the U.S. Army, according to USA TODAY.
Thousands of soldiers will march in the parade, which will also feature Army equipment and flyovers. The event will offer live music, equipment displays and an Army fitness competition open to the public.
The event could cost between $30 million and $45 million, according to USA TODAY.
Protest organizers criticized Trump’s attempts to display military might and authoritative dominance.
“On June 14th — Flag Day — Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday,” the event post said. “A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.”
The local protest joins more than 1,500 rallies, marches and protests planned across the U.S. and world, according to the organization. “No King” protests are planned for Manitowoc, Milwaukee and other cities across Wisconsin.
Anti-Trump protests organized locally for several months
The protest follows the nationwide anti-Trump “Hands Off!” and “May Day” protests held earlier this year, showing public resistance to Trump’s second administration. Local “May Day” protestors were outraged at federal funding cuts, tariffs, aggressive immigration policies and Elon Musk’s government involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency.
Weekly “We the People” demonstrations were held at the corner of North 14th Street and Erie Avenue Thursdays and Saturdays for several months, but they will now be held 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays on South Business Drive near Wilson Avenue.
“This is about saving our democracy so we can live in it, and our children can live in it. (And for) our freedom,” Karen Hilt, a participant in the “May Day” and “We the People” protests, previously told the Sheboygan Press.
Protest organizers collecting men’s clothing, hygiene products in honor of Father’s Day
Part of the demonstration, men’s clothing, shoes and hygiene products will be collected in honor of Father’s Day. Men’s undergarments and hygiene products must be new.
Donations can be dropped off at the protest June 14 or at Paradigm Coffee & Music, 1202 N. Eighth St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11-15 and the Sheboygan County Democratic Party Office, 816 Erie Ave., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan ‘No Kings’ protest against Trump’s military parade planned for June 14
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
