A Benton County-based grassroots organization announced plans for a community protest event to take place from noon-4 p.m. Saturday at the Benton County courthouse in Corvallis.
The event coincides with Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s plans for a military parade in Washington, D.C.
“Instead of allowing Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., to be the center of gravity, activists across the country will demonstrate the power of community, democracy and hope,” Indivisible Benton County wrote in a press release, a reference to nationwide “No Kings Day” rallies on June 14.
The Corvallis protest will include music, interactive art, sign-making and family-friendly activities. Organizers are encouraging attendees to wear red, white and blue.
Described as a “nationwide day of defiance,” the No Kings Day organization said the protests are an opportunity for Americans to “stand together against cruelty, corruption and authoritarianism.” More than 1,600 protests similar to the one planned for Corvallis are being organized across 13 countries, organizers said.
Trump’s 79th birthday is June 14 and the military parade has been promoted as a celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
“President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength,” the No Kings Day website reads. “But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.”
Local organizing groups include Indivisible Benton County, Showing up for Racial Justice, Third Act and People’s March.
Indivisible Benton County describes itself as “committed to progressive political action” with a goal to “build a more perfect and representative government that is for the people and by the people.”
The upcoming protest draws inspiration from previous “Hands Off!” and “May Day” demonstrations, organizers said. According to materials posted on the Indivisible Benton County website, the groups are responding to what they characterize as restrictions on free speech, political detentions, deportation threats against American citizens, and defiance of court orders by the current administration.
Organizers emphasize their commitment to nonviolent action and are asking participants not to bring weapons of any kind to the event. They are also encouraging demonstrators to de-escalate any potential confrontations with counter-protesters.
For more information, check the Indivisible Benton County website or the No Kings Day website.