Hundreds of protesters gathered at McCarty Park in Aurora Saturday afternoon to voice their concerns about the actions of the Trump administration, one of many “No Kings” rallies taking place around the Chicago area and across the country.
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In the western suburbs, “No Kings” events were also held on Saturday in a number of other communities including South Elgin, Wheaton, Naperville and Oswego.
Event organizer Stephanie Bernet of Aurora said her vision for those gathering Saturday at McCarty Park “was to focus on our community.”
“I feel like the community aspect is where we need to be focused on right now,” she said. “Having community first is a way to connect with each other.”
Among those who spoke at the rally were Aurora Mayor John Laesch and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago.
Mary Ellen Bender of Aurora was among the first to arrive to the rally Saturday and said she wanted to be heard and seen.
“You can tell there has been a groundswell of interest as these protests have gone on,” she said. “Awareness is being raised. This is not going to go away and there are so many distractions coming from the White House and this will show we’re not going to look away and be distracted. We still know what’s going on.”
Margi Gomez of Aurora on Saturday said she has attended “No Kings” rallies before.
“I’ve been to about five of these and I want to show my feelings because I have grandchildren,” Gomez said. “Knowing there are people all over the country doing this gives me energy.”
Mike Flynn of Aurora said he has attended other “No Kings” rallies in the past.
“It energizes me that people all over the country are doing this in all 50 states,” he said, expressing his concerns with what he believes is an “unconstitutional war in Iran.”
Mary Ann Weidner of Aurora said Saturday the “No Kings” rallies are important.
“I feel these events are making a difference,” Weidner said.
According to Weidner, a rally like the one in Aurora is uplifting.
“It invigorates you and you realize you’re not the only one that feels the way you do,” she said.
Bernet reflected on the two-hour gathering Saturday and said for her, the biggest takeaway would be letting others know that they “are not alone.”
“People need to know they’re not alone – we’re here for each other – we’re here for our neighbors, even the ones who don’t feel safe enough to come out,” she said. “I hope they see us and they know they’re not alone.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.