People take part in a “No Kings” protest in Washington back in February in support of federal workers and against actions taken by the Trump administration. Similar protests are set for Saturday across the country. AP Photo

Across the nation on Saturday over 2,000 locations are set to hold protests against President Trump and his administration, coinciding with a parade set on the same day in Washington meant to celebrate Trump’s birthday, the 250th birthday of America, and Flag Day. Jamestown and Fredonia are on the list of cities participating in these protests.

The protests come with the theme of “No Kings”, an idea started by the 50501 Movement. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement, according to an Associated Press article.

The protest in Jamestown is organized by the Jamestown Justice Coalition from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dow Park, 601 Cherry Street. Representatives of the Jamestown Justice Coalition said that the organization has been planning this for over a month to coincide with Trump’s birthday military parade, but that it is now “very timely with the ICE protests around the country and Trump’s unlawful overreach using the national guard and Marines to quell what were mostly peaceful demonstrations in LA.”

The protest in Fredonia has two parts, beginning with a march at 10 a.m. from Central Avenue at Cottage Street and proceeding down Central to Barker Commons in Fredonia where a rally will be held presenting speakers and music. Later that day, at about the same time as the parade in Washington, 6 p.m., there will be a standing protest assembled across from the Walmart on Route 60, with participants encouraged to make and bring signs to show their concerns. Local organizers are emphasizing that anyone wanting to join in must have peaceful, serious participation, with safety as a priority. As it is also Flag Day, participants are also welcome to bring flags and display them respectfully.

“Things in this country have gotten pretty bad and it is up to us citizens to stand up and say we don’t like it,” said Susan Bigler, one of the rally organizers said. “We are emphasizing that people must remain peaceful and non-invasive. We will not be going onto anyone’s properties, and we want to make sure we are doing everything right. We just want to get out there and show that we object to what has been happening in our country.”

Another organizer for the Fredonia protest, Janey Wagner, said that their protest will include several musicians playing instruments such as the bagpipes and drums, and at the conclusion of the march they will meet at the gazebo in Barker Commons where someone will play the piano and they will sing patriotic songs.

“We have a right to protest peacefully, especially in the wake of what is currently happening in LA,” Wagner said. “The theme is ‘No Kings’ and it’s fitting for us to act like a democracy and not have one person and his supporters making all of the decisions. It will also be a safe, family friendly event, with activities for the children if there’s no rain. We want families to come out as well and feel welcome and engaged.”

For more information on “No Kings” rallies and the organization behind it, visit nokings.org