A Demonstration Day

by Will Yurman

Hundreds of demonstrators protested along Route 101 in Florence on Saturday, June 14, 2025, as part of a national day of protests dubbed “No Kings.”

Protestors in Florence held signs signaling their opposition to President Trump’s policies and behavior. Signs protested the treatment of immigrants, threats to democracy and a sense of rising authoritarianism in the administration’s actions and language. People gathered in front of City Hall and at the corner of Routes 101 and 126, and were also strung out on both sides of 101.

It was Liz Forbess’ first-ever protest, she said. Forbess and her husband, Alan, moved to Florence last July from Ojai, California. She came to protest on Saturday after seeing how California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly restrained at a press conference earlier in the week and the ongoing treatment of migrant workers in her former home in California.

Liz Forbess, left, said she didn’t know there were so many people in Florence on her side, and that it gave her hope.

Allyson Smith of Florence came to protest because, “I feel like I need to do something to show other Americans we stand by democracy,” she said.

Protests were scheduled to be held in all 50 states on Saturday.

Anna Moore of Florence attended the protest with Molly because, “We can’t stand quiet,” she said.

A large group of demonstrators gathered in front of City Hall.

A second large group of people demonstrated at the corner of Routes 101 and 126 while a loose line of protestors stretched down to City Hall.

Protesting on Saturday has given her hope, she said. “It creates community.” Her husband Alan added, “You can’t just sit on the sidelines and curse the TV.”

Protests were held in thousands of communities across the country Saturday. While in Washington D.C. the government held a parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It is the first federal military parade in the United States since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. Today’s parade was held on President Trump’s 79th birthday.

Coverage of the protests, the parade, and the breaking news of the shooting death of a Minnesota politician and her husband dominated the news Saturday. Here are links to some of the headlines and stories as of Saturday afternoon.

The Associated Press coverage included roundup of the parade and protests.

Fox News

“Trump’s military parade honoring Army’s 250th founding anniversary kicks off”

“Who is Vance Luther Boelter? Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killings identified”

Just The News

“WATCH LIVE: 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army parade underway in D.C.”

“Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protestors hit the streets in cities and towns throughout US”

“Padilla should be charged with assault to avoid ‘two systems of justice’ J6 defense lawyer says”

NPR

“Anti-Trump No Kings protests flood American streets ahead of military parade”

“Saturday’s military parade will be the first in D.C. since 1991’s Victory Celebration”

New York Times