On Saturday, Jun. 14, Greenbrier Valley Indivisible and the Greenbrier County Democratic Women’s Club are hosting a community rally from noon to 2 p.m. at the Green Space in downtown Lewisburg. The event, called NO KINGS: Kick Out The Clowns, is one of hundreds of similar events being held nationwide by the democracy movement.
“As President Trump prepares an authoritarian-style birthday parade for himself and the U.S. Army in Washington,” said an organizer, local groups are responding with a different kind of message – one of community, democracy, and creativity.”
The US Army was founded on June 14, 1775, making it older than the nation it defends. The army was the bulwark in the fight against King George and tyrannic British rule. Our forefathers wanted No Kings! We are rallying in support of our constitution and democracy, which demands equal powers to the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the federal government.
“The spectacle in DC may be meant to showcase his power,” organizers say, “but true power doesn’t roll down Pennsylvania Avenue in tanks – it lives in the people. And we’re showing up to say: no thrones, no crowns, no kings. We are all patriots, and we are rallying to defend our flag, to celebrate the anniversary of our Armed Forces, and to promote the separation of powers as put forth in the US Constitution. No Kings in America since 1776!”
In contrast to the militaristic tone of the DC event, the Lewisburg rally will have a circus theme, using art and humor to highlight the irony of the moment. Attendees can look forward to face painting, a dance party, and a costume contest with prizes in the following categories: historical figures / defenders of democracy, circus theme, patriotic – red, white, and blue.
Participants are encouraged to bring handmade signs, dress creatively, and come ready to rally with clown noses, dancing shoes, and plenty of spirit. Learn more at greenbrierdemwomen.org.
