Hundreds of locals rallied on April 19 a few weeks after a similar large gathering in downtown Sequim for the National Day of Action organized by 50501 and other groups opposed to President Donald Trump and his administration’s actions.

This time, sign wavers gathered along West Washington Street and Seventh Avenue holding various signs including “Hands Off!” referring to proposed or made cuts to programs, such as Medicaid/Medicare and Social Security.

Organizer Chris Walker said they counted at least 500 participants.

“We got a pretty good count even with the ebb and flow of people coming and going,” Walker said. “It was a peaceful event with people connecting with each other in solidarity.”

Trevor Gloor of Sequim held a sign that read “No Kings” saying he has participated in Sequim’s rallies because “bottom line: I don’t want to lose our democracy … I want the government to be of the people, by the people and for the people.”

April 19th was also the 250th anniversary of the “Shot heard round the World” that sparked the Revolutionary War.

Local organizers with 50501 said they host nonviolent protests against various topics, such as cuts to critical institutions and programs that help people, attacks on vulnerable populations, and more. They support a number of agencies and programs, including National Parks, education, medical research and hospitals, and more.

Ray Kaminsky, an Army engineer veteran from Sequim, held a sign opposed to cuts to Social Security. He said “it’s moving to see people stand up and say ‘No.’”

Walker said Sequim Indivisible, another local advocacy group, is building a new website.

“We know there is a need for this (because so many people turned out on Easter weekend),” Walker said.

“People need community to know they’re not alone.”

Walker said they are planning another protest May 1 with its location to be determined. Organizers also look to branch off from protests to send out postcards and continue to ensure safe elections.

Indivisible member Rich Snow said “we’re not stopping until we the people get the message out that (Trump) must honor our Constitution and comply with the rule of law.”

“If we are complacent we are complicit with the problem. That’s why we must speak up for our country,” Snow said.

Another participant, Frank Lowenstein, said that a friend in Germany who intended to visit the Olympic Peninsula with his friends told him that they are cancelling trips to the United States and plan to go to other places instead as he doesn’t want to support what the president is doing, and as a foreigner, he’s scared to come here.

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Emily Matthiessen/

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Trevor Gloor of Sequim holds a sign that reads “No Kings” on Saturday, April 19 by Seventh Avenue during a rally to protest against what he and others feelis overstepping by the Trump administration that negatively impacts residents. Gloor said he has participated in Sequim’s rallies because “bottom line: I don’t want to lose our democracy … I want the government to be of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash/ Residents line Washington Street and Seventh Avenue on April 19 to oppose changes made or proposed by President Donald Trump and his administration.