NO KINGS’, A phrase echoing the very process of liberation from the British monarchical rule in America now symbolizes a people’s movement against its own incumbent government.
The protests, organised by activist groups 50501, (50 States, 50 protests, 1 movement) and Indivisible are in response to the planned military parade conducted by Trump indowntown Washington DC, the attendance of the protests is expected to be in millions.
Interest in the event has sparked up immensely following theprotests against ICE held in Los Angeles, and the consequent legal battle that ensued between California Governor Gavin Newscom, and President Trump over the deployment of the National Guard, and Marine Corps.
Flag Day: a Symbol of Values and Heritage
The symbol of the flag is deeply entrenched in cultural and historical significance, the flag is a representation of the values of a country, and nowhere is this sentiment embodied more than in the United States of America.
The American flag composes 13 horizontal stripes, alternating in the colours of red and white, and 50 white stars offset against a blue background.
The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies that rebelled against Great Britain during the revolutionary war, and the 50 stars represent the current 50 US states.
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the Flag resolution which stated: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
In 1949, this was wholly solidified into a national holiday,and signed into law by President Harry Truman, who proclaimed that the United States flag be displayed across all government buildings.
The Military Parade
The military parade to be held in honour of the 250thanniversary of the US Army, coincides with the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump. It is set to feature 150 vehicles, 6,700 troops, and 50 aircraft, according to the US Army.
The parade held at downtown Washington DC is projected to cost between $25 million to $45 million, it will move along Constitution Avenue from 23rd street to 15th street and end at the White House.
Notably, it will feature 28 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 tracked
Bradley Fighting Vehicles, four tracked M-109 Paladin selfpropelled howitzers, 28 wheeled Stryker combat vehicles, and other towed artillery that will pass through the streets.
For this reason, no ‘NO KINGS’ protest is planned at Washington DC.
The Message of the Nationwide Protests: the Significance of ‘NO KINGS’
The protests held across 2000 sites across America in the wake of the military parade are non-violent protests held as a display of defiance.
The largest of the protests is being held at Philadelphia (the place where the second continental congress took place, where the declaration of independence was signed) where there will be a flagship march and rally.
Earlier this year in April, the ‘HANDS OFF’ protests were held by the same organisers, the aim was to reject the increasing descent of the United States towards authoritarianism, billionaire centric policies, and widespread administrative cuts to Medicaid, social security, and education.
‘NO KINGS’ is a larger expression of the same sentiment, against a system people believe doesn’t support them, against lavish expenditure for a self-aggrandizing military parade for a perceived “king”.
Actions are set for the country’s largest cities and small towns, dotting the map from coast to coast, all in an effort to show President Trump that opposition exists everywhere.
According to the website of the organisers:
“On June 14—Flag Day—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. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.
No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like.
We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind.
The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.
On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
President Trump's Response
He remarked that he does not feel like royalty when questioned about the nationwide protests on Thursday, “I don’t feel like a king, I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”
As he signed three resolutions against California’s EV mandate he said, “A king would not have had the California mandate” or that a king would have to collaborate with congress and tell them that, “Fellas you got to pull this off,” to get the resolution passed.
“No, we’re not a king. We’re not a king at all,” he said.
Conclusion
As tanks roll through the streets of Washington, as citizens gather to protest, and as the president celebrates his birthday— the political consensus of the nation is sure to be impacted
Today poses itself to be monumental day in recent US history, honouring a long-held legacy, and embracing the spirit of defiance.
It stands as an exercise in remembrance, that the values of the country, the facets of democracy, are found best in the people.
Written by Aaliya Aziz
