More than 550 people gathered Saturday afternoon at Gettysburg’s Lincoln Square for a peaceful protest against the current administration’s policies and actions.
Cheered on by honking horns and encouraging shout-outs from passers-by, the protesters held signs addressing – among others – the administration’s disregard for the Constitution and laws; the removal of top military and government agency leaders and experts in favor of an unqualified and incompetent cabinet; the lack of due process for immigrants; cuts to education, veterans and health-care services; massive layoffs of federal workers; anti-DEI policies and disregard of civil rights; reproductive rights; voter suppression; cuts to social security and Medicare/Medicaid; the current threats to democracy, in favor of authoritarianism; and fear for the nation’s security as a result of the administration’s hostile tariffs and reckless foreign policies.
The rally was synchronized with the nationwide “Hands-Off” Protest Marches held in thousands of US cities, calling on President Trump and his über-wealthy friend Elon Musk to keep their “hands off” institutions and programs that are relied upon by millions of American seniors, veterans and vulnerable communities; women’s reproductive rights; civil rights; immigrant protections, as well as essential policies currently in place that are vital for the survival of working families.
The Gettysburg Saturday rallies, organized by the Adams County Democratic Committee and supported by Blue Storm Action, will continue for the foreseeable future, at Lincoln Square, every Saturday from 12-1 pm. Organizers hope to bring awareness to the issues currently facing the nation and put pressure on local lawmakers to uphold their oaths of office.
Most of the participants were Democrats but we also ran into some Republican and Independent folks who were disappointed in the President and the administration. Asked about key issues that affect them personally, here are some quotes from several participants:
“I’ve never been a partisan person. I always respected the different opinions of my Republican colleagues and friends. But today’s Republicans are not the party of Reagan, with true statesmen like John McCain. MAGAs are not “the conservatives” we used to respect. If you consider yourself a MAGA, you lack honor and ethics, in my view. Would you want your kids to have Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Matt Gaetz as their role models?”
“Many Trump supporters innocently voted for him because they believed he would improve the economy for them. They thought their taxes and cost of living were worth overlooking the character and lack of values this President had already demonstrated.”
“If these folks think the Constitution is not sacred enough to uphold, I have no faith in this country’s survival.”
“I’ve been a Republican all my life, always voted red, so I thought I was doing the right thing voting for Trump/Vance. But I did not vote for the dismantling of our Constitution, and Trump’s disregard for law and order. Once they get away with all the unlawful actions they have been taking since coming into office, they will set precedence for all who want to break the law.”
“My dad, granddad and two of my uncles fought in World War II to defeat the Nazis and Mussolini. Their legacy is being soiled by Trump and his cabinet and everyone who believes in their agenda. I am fighting to bring back honor to our military and the legacy of all who sacrificed for this country.”
“My two daughters deserve all the rights to bodily autonomy, equality, and their constitutional rights. Their fate should not be controlled by a convicted felon and rapist who is alienating the rest of the world,” said Blue Storm Action member Angela Sontheimer.
“Look at all the harm currently being done by two wealthy men who don’t care about public education, clean water, or affordable homes! We have to fight this class warfare. We have to fight against legal immigrants being disappeared off our streets. We have to fight on behalf of those that can’t – kids with disabilities, trans kids, and undocumented immigrants.”
“What ever happened to this great nation of ours? We once were a beacon on the hill. We are now not just the laughingstock of other developed countries; we are alienating our allies and friends. We are showing our mean side and bringing the worst out in so many.”
“I am fighting for the future of my grandchildren who may never experience our beautiful planet the way we were privileged to see it. I am fighting for clean water, clean air and fighting climate change.”
“I am here to remind our lawmakers to uphold the oath they took to defend the Constitution. I am here to remind them that Due Process applies to every human in this country – citizen or immigrant. Shame on us for the way we treat our migrants.”
“I will fight Christian Nationalism until I cannot fight any longer. We must not fall into the same patterns as so many other nationalist countries fell into. We must have separation of state and church. With so many different religions among us, whose God is this nation under?”
“When did we stop honoring our troops who have given their all to this country? Pete Hegseth is obsessed with DEI matters. He removed notable military leaders – women and people of color – from Arlington and Pentagon websites. He can’t hold a candle to the caliber of some of these brave, accomplished heroes.”
“Trillions of dollars have been lost in the stock market since Trump started his tariff wars. We know that he and his cronies will benefit from buying up cheap stock and enriching themselves further. Trump likes to present himself as the great negotiator, but it shows he knows nothing about economics. Just as he has bankrupted his casinos and businesses over and over again, he will bankrupt this country.”
“Four soldiers lost their lives in Lithuania. The President did not think it was worth honoring their sacrifice and went golfing instead of attending their homecoming. Could it be because three of the four dead troops were people of color? Or just because, in general, he thinks military servicemembers are suckers and losers?”
“There is a vicious agenda behind the administration wanting to do away with educational services. Trump himself said once that he loved uneducated people. If you look at the folks who still support him, you can see why. We are fighting for literacy, for our libraries, our educators.”
“There is no cavalry coming to save us, so we have to be the bulwark,” said Gettysburg Rising member Sarah Zipp. “Standing out here today, I could feel all the energy of our resistance movement. I saw smiles, hugs, laughter, and joy. And we were alongside millions of others too. Each member of my family was out protesting across four states and D.C. We’re all in this together to save our communities.”
“This town was involved in a pivotal battle many years ago,” said ACDC committee member, Meghan O’Brien. “This town and its people continue to fight this battle today. It’s a fight for truth, equality, and fairness. We’ll stand up and fight as long as we need to by peacefully demonstrating our 1st Amendment rights. Until this shxx show ends, we’ll meet you in Lincoln Square every Saturday.”
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.
I was with you but in another street with sign in KY. My friend the Colonel and his wife was on the Square
As a Trump supporter, I’m so glad the People are taking action in the name of Checks and Balances. It’s ashamed that the People on my side wants to silence them. I say speak louder and prouder! It is America by the way, and I think it makes Gettysburg look more historical because politics was a huge thing during the Civil War.
This is awesome!!! Keep protesting!!! Orange Devil to prison and Musk to Mars!!!
Excellent work my friend
After seeing these pictures, protest signs, and reading comments here, I feel so much PRIDE and HOPE that we can turn the current djt mess around. If enthusiasm, creativity, and the fortitude of a back bone can do it, it will be done!…and the sooner the better!
of course there is the glaring possible truth that the current politics are about getting rid of the good people so the greedy can take over. But it still remains true that there are changes that needed to be made and no one wanted to face the criticism for that.
I feel sorry for the businesses in the area. This will be a tourist turn-off.
Thank you for expressing your concern. I cannot speak for what’s ahead during tourist season, but I do know that the businesses were not suffering due to the rally. 1) Rally participants have been making a point to frequent businesses around the Square after the rally, in order to minimize any impact on them. In fact, at yesterday’s rally, many participants had a hard time finding seating at the surrounding pubs/bars after the rally. 2) There should be NO REASON why tourists and residents should withhold their business from the shops and dining places in the area. The protesters are… Read more »
It’s one hour, take a breath. If you personally don’t like it, you can easily avoid the square. I understand that a certain restaurant on Chambersburg St had a waiting list ten tables deep all day. Attendees are patronizing these establishments before and after, I’m quite sure it’s a boon to their businesses. People are respectful and exercising their Constitutional Rights of free speech. I’m so proud of these folks and humbled to be part of this movement.
The city usually spends a lot of money and time creating events that bring 600 people to the square, esp on a rainy day. I’m sure the money spent by all those people helped local businesses. Our group of 4 dropped $200 after the event, multiply that out by hundreds. It’s an hour of the day, so still plenty of time for locals and others tourists to come around and enjoy our lovely downtown. Also, the tourists we met on the square loved it. Many Republicans walked by and said- were republicans, but we’re with you. Most people in this… Read more »
Most people in Adams County did vote for DJT, two to one.
I don’t have that data at this moment, but what we do know is that there were some Republicans and Independents at that rally who deeply regret having voted for DJT. And we were told that there are quite a few in the county who feel that way also.
Definitely sad to know he was able to dupe that many with his sales pitch (coupled with those who put pushing their own social preferences on all – aka restricting freedom – above the economics of the country.)
Can’t help but wonder what the results would be now, esp in light of the recent Lancaster Special election and the elections in WI.
According to the Adams County government web site, most people in Adams County did vote for DJT, two to one.
If you’re for American values, then you should support other Americans exercising their constitutional right of free assembly and protest, whether you agree with them or not. If a protest is peaceful, I support it regardless of whether I agree with the message, because that’s what free speech is about. A protest isn’t designed to please everyone, it’s to express frustration, which I am extremely grateful we have the right to do, as there are other countries that don’t allow it. Conservatives like to act like they have a monopoly on patriotism and pride in America, but that’s simply not… Read more »
I don’t have that data at this moment, but what we do know is that there were some Republicans and Independents at that rally who deeply regret having voted for DJT. And we were told that there are quite a few in the county who feel that way also.
I do believe that within the actual borough it’s pretty blue though. Borough residents, who are closest to the rally itself, lean Dem.
It was a good day!
It was a good day indeed, Nancy. Did you find yourself in any of the photos? We tried to capture as many folks as possible. 🙂
This needs to continue every week. Plan to come out again & again. Saturday was a great day for democracy.
Indeed it was, Steve. Thanks for your comment. According to the organizers, the Saturday rallies will continue for the foreseeable future. Every Saturday, noon to 1 pm.
Incredible photo-journalism, Donate! Cogent article–and it looks like you got pictures of all 500+ of us! You are a tremendous asset to our community.
Thank you for your kind words, Carolyn. The credit really goes to the objects of my photographs – it was a real treat for me to experience this powerful moment. Hundreds of concerned citizens coming together peacefully to fight for our Constitution.
Thanks for the great pictures of this event! It’s nice to see all the smiles! I also enjoyed reading all of the clever signs…creative folks for sure!
Thank you, Bill. Yes, the signs were amazing and indeed well conceived. I hope we were able to capture most of them.
Thanks for the coverage. Glad to see reason and sanity gaining steam. Wish the US could do snap elections like other countries so America could stand up and be great again instead of descending to the bottom of the pit as Trump/Elon have us doing now. Our founding fathers and Lincoln, etc, would be so ashamed of Trump’s America – and so proud of those gathered to protest against them.
Thanks for your comment. This group of protesters are so passionate about keeping the Constitution and democracy alive in this country; it was an awesome experience to feel that energy.