No Kings Protest
- TCDC Webmaster
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
“No Kings” protest supported democracy and Flag Day
On Saturday June 14th Tioga residents joined the national No Kings Day protest in both Newark Valley and Owego. According to the Associated Press, the “No Kings” theme started with the 50501 Movement which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. Saturday’s protest gave voice to several major issues that are viewed as authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.
In Newark Valley about 40 people peacefully protested at the Village Green. According to Luke McCloskey, the partner of Kali Boyce, the organizer of the protest, “We’re here to rally against kings in America. We are against fascism, and we are for exercising the rights that are afforded to us in the Constitution...A big reason why everyone’s here is to make their voices heard.”
One of the more compelling signs read, “Rejecting Kings since 1776” and had an American flag on it. Another said, “Family belongs together” which was related to another which said, “No human is illegal on stolen land.” Finally, another said, “Compassion, not cruelty.”
In Owego approximately 400 people protested, more than ever before. Out of respect for Flag Day, also on Saturday, many protesters were carrying flags along with their signs. One flag was inverted symbolizing distress over the country’s current administration. Although one big black vehicle belched smoke and repeatedly circled the Square, many more passersby indicated support for the protest by beeping and giving thumbs up to the protesters.
The first speaker, Dr. Marita Florini, held a flag as she spoke. Florini declared her passion for health care for all. She urged the attendees to write letters and call their Congressional Representative and their Senators to protest things they disagree with such as throwing a Senator to the floor and handcuffing him and going into workplaces to take away people who are trying to make an honest living. She reminded the group that “this (the protest) is what democracy looks like and asked them to make known their wants.
Rev. Bruce Gillette from the First Presbyterian Union Church of Owego then had the crowd recite the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of Flag Day. He noted that the pledge is for a republic, not a dictatorship. He criticized the budget cuts to SNAP, that ICE is pulling worshipers from churches denying them the basic right of freedom of religion, and that universities are facing massive funding cuts because Trump doesn’t like what they teach. He criticized that money is being redirected to the billionaires.
Gillette concluded by saying, “This is a great nation. Let us remember what Ben Franklin said when he left the Constitutional Congress...‘You will have a Republic as long as you can keep it.’ Well, let’s keep it!”
This article was written by Joan Davis and first appeared in the Tioga County Courier the week of June 23, 2025. Support local journalism by picking up a copy at your local newsstand or by subscribing.
