Demonstrators gathered on the Gettysburg Square Saturday to protest President Donald Trump, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and a range of policies they say threaten vital public services and civil rights.
The peaceful protest, estimated at about 170 people, included dozens of signs and brought horn honks and cheers from passersby.
The rally, organized by the Adams County Democratic Committee (ACDC), centered on opposition to proposed cuts to the National Park Service, federal workforce reductions, and potential rollbacks to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Some attendees also voiced concern over Musk’s controversial DOGE cryptocurrency initiative and the administration’s handling of immigration.
Many participants held handmade signs promoting environmental protection, social safety nets, and inclusion. “We will continue these events until we see positive change,” said ACDC Vice Chair Matt Moon. “All we ask is that participants’ signs carry a positive message.”
The ACDC secured a permit for the event and plans to hold similar demonstrations every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. on the square. Word of the event spread through email, social media, and in coordination with local progressive organizations, including Democracy for America and Blue Storm Action.
Organizers said they hope the weekly gatherings will raise awareness and pressure lawmakers to protect public programs and democratic values.
Pete Vogel, freelance reporter and photographer, is a writer and photographer in the Gettysburg Area.
Thank you all for going out and speaking your truth, for without peaceful, respectful demonstration we will be unable to “fix” any of it; we will need to be strong and thoughtful as we move forward to eradicate the government of the United States of America of it’s present cancer! Be strong, stay strong, we shall overcome!
I spent today walking around the Mall and Tidal Basin in DC, admiring the cherry blossoms, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the FDR Memorial. If we want to return to a time when our country was truly great, these were quotes from those places: In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice… the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man. The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether… Read more »
I do not support any organized demonstration on the busy square of downtown Gettysburg. Visitors come here to enjoy shopping, restaurants, and the history our town has to offer. I have seen our visitors turn and walk away from the crowds of demonstrators, peaceful or Not. Last year some political group with megaphones was yelling threatening language at the pedestrians and those stuck in traffic. I have no issue with people having their opinions just keep it out of our peaceful, beautiful downtown.
Being quiet is tacit acceptance. This is not the time to be quiet
Pete Vogel- how did you get your count of participants? The photos don’t reflect 170.
Patti, I walked around and counted about 154, it’s hard when people are moving around. Someone else from ACDC got the 170 number. I may have counted a lil earlier.
Thanks Megan!
I, too, took pictures and came up with a similar count. People were stretched around the full square. I believe Pete included only a few pictures to represent the whole.
This democratic protest in the town square in Gettysburg is not good for businesses In the downtown area. We drove over an hour to come to the downtown area and enjoy a meal and walk around a little and shop. When we saw what was going on in the town square we left.
My point exactly. I had out of town company with young children and we decided not to stop in town. Disgusting!1
Just for one hour of activity you don’t approve of? This town has so much to offer in the meantime…..
Chances are your lost dollars were more than made up by the dollars the protestors spent, so no overall loss.
The loss to us all, and the world, with Trump’s and Elon’s politics far surpasses both. At least the protestors are trying to change that.
Thank you. 🙂
The current rallies last exactly one hour, from 12-1 pm each Saturday. Surely, you can plan your meals around them, if you don’t want to see the activists?
The protesters themselves are making it a point each Saturday to frequent the businesses in the area after the rally is over. I know after today’s rally, all of the pubs and dining places were packed with hungry protesters. Intentionally.
Don’t punish the businesses by staying away just because there is ONE HOUR of commotion you don’t approve of. You are missing out. 🙂
I guess these folks forgot all about their idol, Biden, spending our money foolishly and with very little accountability. Of course Biden and his crime family got their share of illegal payoff money. It is pretty apparent you folks don’t want more money in your pockets. If I were a Democrat I sure would not admit it.
No, we haven’t forgotten the past. Ya know what, maybe stop looking left and right and continue the culture war BS and start looking UP. We are all getting screwed. The workers. I know you have workers at your establishment who are getting screwed over. How is it ok that corporations and billionaires get the tax cuts and I’m at the top of the tax bracket,? Give me a break. I’m no millionaire but I do get up and work everyday just like your employees. It’s not fair and it needs to end. Stop the partisan bs. You know this… Read more »
I’m not a Democrat – been registered Red for decades. Trump and Musk have ruined our country, not saved it. We used to be respected worldwide – now we are despised except for Israel and Russia. As for what Musk is doing, he’s likely cost the US far more than he’s saved. Yes, many of us would like to see real fraud and waste axed, but one does it with thought and purpose, not AI and a chainsaw. The US will be paying more for legal cases than was ever saved. Then too, I’d rather see cancer research, food banks… Read more »
Thanks for covering this “resistance“ event.
Glad to see this in Gettysburg. American democracy is under threat from the authoritarian-styled administration currently in power.
We are a nation based on the rule of law, not the whims of a president motivated by ego and greed. No one is above the law.
The more ‘the people’ resist their efforts to dismantle our democracy, the less the current administration can break.
Empathy, like kindness, is not a weakness; it is a virtue.
This is what America is all about…peaceful Freedom of Expression…as long as you do not disturb others if they do not agree.
I just read the protesters account in The Connection. The protesters are to be thanked and congratulated for doing their part in preserving our freedom.