Protesters Stand Up Against Trump Across Illinois

The streets of Chicago and its suburbs echoed with a powerful message on a recent Saturday. Tens of thousands of people gathered to voice their disapproval of President Donald Trump. This was one of the largest protests in recent memory, with over 1, 500 similar events happening across the country. In Chicago, the protest began in Daley Plaza, with people arriving hours before the scheduled start time. Signs with messages like "Fascism is bad" and "The wannabe king deserves a royal flush" were held high. The crowd marched through the city, pausing in front of Trump Tower to make their voices heard. Organizers believed this to be one of the largest protests in the country that day. Sharon Pfister, a Woodridge resident, had a list of grievances with Trump's administration. She was particularly concerned about the military parade in Washington, D. C. , which coincided with cuts to veterans' benefits and Trump's birthday. Pfister, who had never attended a protest before Trump's election, felt that these events were crucial for protecting democracy. In Geneva, protesters lined up along Randall Road, holding signs that criticized Trump and celebrated American democracy. The chants of "No kings in America" and "This is what democracy looks like" were met with supportive honks from passing cars. Sharon Riggle, who helped organize the protest, noted that this was the largest event of its kind in the area. Orland Park saw over 1, 200 people gather along La Grange Road. The peaceful demonstration featured chants like "No Kings, no crowns, we the people won't back down. " Neighbors passed out U. S. flags and held signs with various messages, including "Free Palestine" and "Donald Trump is a racist. " In Lake County, more than 8, 500 people participated in "No Kings" events. John McCullough, a U. S. Army veteran, held a sign that read, "Fought for freedom, not for a throne. " He expressed his disapproval of Trump, comparing him to a dictator and criticizing his draft dodging past. McCullough's message was clear: he did not fight for a king, but for freedom. In Highland, Indiana, at least 700 people gathered at the intersection of Indianapolis Boulevard and Ridge Road. The protest was peaceful, with a safety team ensuring the well-being of the crowd. The organizers were proud of the turnout and the positive atmosphere. The protests across Illinois and beyond were a testament to the power of collective action. People from all walks of life came together to voice their concerns and stand up for what they believed in. The message was clear: no kings, no crowns, we the people won't back down.