On June 14, a group of Black River Falls residents gathered to take part in the nationwide “No Kings” Day of Defiance, joining millions of Americans across the country in a coordinated stand for democracy.

     The demonstration was one of more than 2,000 similar events held nationwide on June 14, a date that landed on Flag Day, President Trump’s birthday, and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

     Organized by a coalition of grassroots groups including Indivisible, MoveOn, 50501, and the ACLU, the “No Kings” protests were designed as a response to what many see as growing authoritarian rhetoric and heavy use of military imagery in American politics.

     Though Black River Falls is a small community, it was one of nearly 60 cities and towns across Wisconsin that participated.

     Local residents, including tribal members, community leaders, and families, gathered peacefully, holding signs that read “No Crowns, No Kings” and “This Is What Democracy Looks Like.”

     Similar events across Wisconsin drew hundreds in places like Rib Mountain, Eau Claire, and La Crosse.

     Organizers emphasized that while the demonstration coincided with large-scale celebrations in Washington, D.C., their goal was to keep the focus on civic participation and constitutional principles, rather than displays of military might.

     The “No Kings” movement quickly became one of the largest single-day protests of Trump’s presidency, with millions participating nationally.