ROCKLAND – Towards the end of a No Kings rally, in Rockland, a moment of silence was held for the two Minnesota legislators and their spouses, who were shot in the middle of the night, June 14.

Rockland’s Saturday rally was scheduled weeks ago and is one of thousands held throughout the country as President Donald Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C., for his birthday, and Marines and National Guard work the streets of Los Angeles.

Held at Harbor Park, the rally itself was peaceful, though afterwards, while the group Audacity held its regular Saturday protest out on Main Street, a couple of people holding Trump signs walked through.

In another case, a pickup truck with Trump flags circled the block, dragging a pole behind them. Another pickup truck appeared ready to do burnouts in front of the Chapman Park crowd. Yet, their backlash remained peaceful, possibly due to a strong police presence. Audacity continued with its protest as well as a special event – marching down the sidewalk on Main Street to the Post Office on Limerock Street.

“We know from history that acquiescence to tyranny is futile,” said State Representative Valli Geiger during the rally. “It does not make you safer to keep your head down. It just gives power to tyrants.”

Geiger pleaded with Democrats to keep from splintering, to hold strong and united in their efforts to keep the U.S. healthy through the next four years and to remain true to the party when election time rolls around.

Geiger was one of multiple speakers at the event. Others were Angus King III and Hannah Pingree, both candidates for Maine Governor. Also in attendance were Charlie Dingman, Chair of the Maine Democratic Party; State Representative Ann Matlack; Pinny Beebe-Center, Maine Senator; Scout Bookham, Senior at Oceanside High School; Greg Marley, Vice Chair and Dash Marley, Chair, of the Knox County Democratic Committee

“It is crazy that in our democracy, in our country, right now, we are having a 'No Kings Day,' and I’m saying that as a guy named King,” said Angus King III.

Said Pingree, these past six months are not normal. Pingree listed examples of the Marines, National Guard, immigration, “Beautiful Bill,” MaineCare, SNAP, increasing electricity rates, and more.

Matlack recited part of Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem Pity The Nation: "Pity the nation that knows no other language but its own. No other culture but its own. Pity be the nation whose breath is money, and sleeps the sleep of the too-well fed. Pity the nation of 'we the people' who allow their rights to erode and their freedoms to wash away. My country tears of thee, sweet land of liberty."

For those, like Beebe-Center who feel anxious and lost, Beebe-Center says, “I see you. I hear you. We will not back down.”

Scout Bookham, a recent high school graduate speaking on the question “where are the young people?” said that the young see every headline. They feel far less safe and are just trying to survive in this, “scary and important time.”

Her advice: Stay human. Remember your humanity and face each day with empathy and an open heart and an open mind. Find community and stay connected. Lean on each other when you need to, and let others lean on you when you are feeling steady. Stay present and educated. Be critical thinkers and seek out trusted sources of information. Take breaks in the news cycle when you need to, but do not check out. Do not let yourself become numb. Show up. Stand up, and speak out.

King stated a belief that Democrats can turn some of this energy and anxiety, fear and fight into some positive actions right now, in the community.

“My campaign, starting today, and for the rest of the summer, as I’m traveling around the state, we’re going to volunteer in our communities. We’re going to take time and make sure that we engage and visit food pantries and libraries, and visit clothing drives.”

King invited Mainers to join him, yet told the crowd to not wait for him. Take your energy and use it for the good of your community.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com