No Kings Rally in Wisconsin Rapids

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis (WFHR / WIRI) – More than 350 people gathered on the East Riverview Expressway for the No Kings Rally in Wisconsin Rapids on Flag Day. Millions of people showed up for rallies across the country protesting the actions of the Trump Administration.

A celebratory atmosphere prevailed on the green lawn across from the Aspirus Hospital on the East Riverview Expressway. Organizers had a small tent set up for musicians and speakers who began the event at 11:30 a.m. on June 14.  

Katie Campbell and a group of friends arrived early. She said they were happy to be there to protest the current president and his administration. Campbell said the money being spent on Trump’s birthday parade should have been spent on programs Americans actually need. Campbell stated, “No kings, no crowns and stop funneling our money to billionaires and put it back in social security, veterans affairs, and children programming where it belongs.”

Kim Martin said she hates the divisiveness happening in the world and politics, saying “I look forward to peace again someday.” Martin said we need to stick together and stand up for democracy.

3rd CD candidate Emily Berge walked through the crowd, offering greetings to attendees. When asked to describe the emotion of the event, Berge stated, “I think there’s anger, there’s solidarity, there’s… people are nervous, there’s fear, but there’s also joy. You know, and I think that’s what draws people in is to be with each other and to have fun even, you know there’s music playing. Just a lot of togetherness. I don’t know if that’s an emotion, but that’s what I feel.”

On the Bridge

People also lined up along the sidewalk on the East Riverview Expressway Bridge across from the green space. Tammy Nicholson shared that it was her first protest and she was there to protest facism in our country. Nicholson said, “No Kings Day is Flag Day and I think it’s time that the good people of the United States take back the meaning of the American Flag.”

There were people of all ages at the event. From young mothers with their toddlers in wagons to 80-year-olds with their walkers and canes. One elderly woman shared that she’s attended many protests throughout her life. She’s a Water Walker who advocated for water protection and the fight against water contamination. With determination, she slowly made her way up the hill in Demitz Park with her walker, refusing offers of assistance. Eventually, she was able to join her husband next to his United Farm Workers Flag hanging on the fence by the bridge.

Counter Protesters

Organizers of the No Kings Rally in Wisconsin Rapids had been told there was a counter-protest planned for the same date and time. Some pro-MAGA statements had been written in chalk on the sidewalks before people started arriving. A small group of about 8 counter protesters joined the crowd during the last hour of the rally.

One gentleman there with a young boy, both holding pro-Trump signs, refused to speak with the media, saying he didn’t trust that his words would be accurately stated.

Cathlene Blevins and several young adults also stood on the corner by the hospital holding an American flag and a sign that said, in part, “I’d rather vote for a felon…” Blevins said they were there in support of the Trump Administration. She shared what they were standing out there for, saying “We the people own the government of the United States. It doesn’t belong to the government. It’s a government that was created by the people for the people and we believe in that. That’s what we believe in.”

No Kings

Organizers behind the No Kings events on June 14, say it was a day of action to reject authoritarianism. Authoritarianism is defined by Britannica as “…blind submission to authority and the repression of individual freedom of thought and action.” It goes on to explain, “The most notable authoritarian regimes of the 20th century were characterized by a charismatic leader, a mass party, and a powerful secret police force.”

Groups who participated in favor of the No Kings Day worked to show that power isn’t concentrated in Washington D.C. They said the objective was to show the world what democracy really looks like. People took to the streets in peaceful protest against President Trump’s authoritarian tactics. Those include ICE raids and the politicizing of the military.

Related Articles

You can read about the Eau Claire rally, and the rally in Oshkosh. Here is a state-wide look including Madison in these linked articles from Civic Media reporters.