The Big Flag flies in front of Fairhaven High School on flag day, 6/14/26, while protesters gather to oppose the authoritarian tactics of the Trump Administration on 6/14/26 as part of a nationwide mobilization. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Organizers held “No Kings” rallies across the country on 6/14/26, to protest the destructive, authoritarian tactics of the Trump Administration
“As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a choice about what story we tell.
“We can let strongman politics and corruption define the moment. Or we can make the story of America about people coming together — across race, background, identity, belief, and community — to defend our rights and build a future rooted in people power,” the website.
The 6/14 protest’s theme was “Rise up, sing out,” and featured a national concert held in Manhattan with watch parties across the country. More than 2100 locations held a protest with more than 200,000 on New York and more than 100,000 in Philadelphia.
In Fairhaven 200-250 people peacefully gathered near the high school with signs. A live band played, and protesters were mostly met with supportive honking and thumbs up gestures from cars
Local organizers, Ann Richard, said she was happy with the turnout on such a hot Sunday.
“I think it’s important to people,” she said.
Carol O’Brien, of Westport, said she attended for democracy.
“We don’t want a king,” said Ms. O’Brien.
“We just can’t say quiet,” said Andrew Mazur of Tiverton, RI.
He and his wife, Shannon, said it was not that far away and they could not find a protest closer to them. And they visit Fairhaven often, even running in the Father’s Day Road Race.
Mr. Mazur said it was on Trump’s birthday so he wanted to “piss him off.”
“The world is burning down,” he said.
It was also Flag Day and the Fairhaven Alumni raised the “Big Flag” during the day.
“It stands for everything,” said Ms. Mazur.
Sandy Hall and Debbie Fisher said they were there for so many reasons including the Iran war.
“How long do you have?” asked Ms. Fisher.
L-R: Carol O’Brien, Andrew Mazur, Shannon Mazur, join the rally in front of Fairhaven High School on 6/14/26, to oppose the authoritarian tactics of the Trump Administration as part of a nationwide mobilization. Photo by Beth David.
Susan Aillery of New Bedford, and Robin Lopes of Fairhaven also had many reasons for being there.
“We hate what he’s doing,” said Ms. Lopes. “He’s destroying our country for our kids.
They said they knew people who fought in WWII for our freedom.
“I believe in Freedom,” said Ms. Aillery. “We fought two hard and long to get it to let it go.”
Charlene from Mattapoisett ticked off a long list of reasons to protest from the war in Iran to the Epstein files, to the corruption that funnels taxpayer money to billionaires.
Learn more about the No Kings movement at https://www.nokings.org/
To learn more about the Fairhaven Democratic Town Committee, which organized the event, find them on Facebook.
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Click here to download the 6/18/26 issue: 06-18-26 NoKings
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