A growing series of weekly rallies on Lincoln Square, launched by the Adams County Democratic Committee and supported by local grassroots groups, has drawn hundreds of residents and out-of-town visitors to peacefully express concerns about national policies and show support for democratic values and marginalized communities.
The rallies, which organizers have deliberately called “Rallies for the People” rather than protests, began in response to rising public demand for local action mirroring demonstrations taking place nationwide. Marcia Wilson, Chair of the Adams County Democratic Committee, said the committee began receiving telephone calls and walk-in visitors asking if there would be local events like the protests and rallies being held across the country.
The committee secured permits from the Borough of Gettysburg to host weekly events on Lincoln Square, which Wilson called a “very visible location” with ample space that “does not impede pedestrian or vehicle traffic.” The first rally drew approximately 160 participants, with numbers rising steadily. A recent event affiliated with the national “Hands Off” movement attracted more than 600 people, including participants from neighboring counties and states.
Organizers emphasize that the events are strictly peaceful, family-friendly, and nonpartisan in nature. “We are for immigrants, veterans, Social Security, due process, and the rule of law—not simply against someone or some policy,” said Wilson. She added that most participants have been conscientious in following guidelines: no loud noises, no obstruction of businesses or walkways, and an emphasis on respectful discourse.
Meghan O’Brien, a co-organizer with Blue Storm Action, echoed Wilson’s sentiments. “This is not a group of ‘radical left paid protesters,’” she said. “These are parents and grandparents and people directly affected by the hurtful policies of this administration.” She said the rallies foster a sense of community and historical resonance, particularly in a town known worldwide for its role in the fight against inequality.
Angela Sontheimer, another organizer, said that calls to action came from across the political spectrum. “We were approached by many people who were struggling with a way to express their concerns. Exercising our First Amendment rights seemed to be a natural fit,” she said.
While organizers acknowledged rare incidents—such as an individual using a bullhorn without authorization and occasional aggressive gestures from passersby—organizers said attendees have overwhelmingly followed rules and maintained a positive atmosphere. “We don’t engage,” said O’Brien, who prefers to wave or blow kisses to critics. “It really feels like we are building a community here.”
Though rumors of business complaints have circulated, all three organizers reported largely positive feedback from local merchants. “I’ve patronized a local restaurant after each rally,” said Sontheimer. “I have to believe that bringing hundreds of people to the doorsteps of local businesses can only be a positive thing.”
The rallies are expected to continue each Saturday for the foreseeable future. “Until there is some sort of change in policies by this administration, I personally plan on being there every Saturday possible,” said Sontheimer.
“Gettysburg has always stood for something greater,” said O’Brien. “We are continuing that tradition.”
It’s good to read that the rallies are continuing and growing. I’m currently in Europe having gone from London to Berlin to Krakow. We’ve heard from many here (fellow travelers, guides, workers, etc.) All have been super friendly and welcoming. Absolutely none have liked our current government, including some who have traveled to the US regularly in the past and won’t be coming again (especially among fellow travelers.) No one has actually said they are coming, nor are they interested in buying US things. If tourist dollars are being lost, one might want to look at our leadership rather than… Read more »
I just returned from Europe as well (including Berlin) and heard the same sentiments. I found myself apologizing for this country.
I also heard from the elderly -repeatedly – that they had seen before the current developments in the US, during the Third Reich.
It gives me hope that there are still folks out there who won’t give up fighting for our democracy. Silence is complicity.
Did anyone involved in granting the permit for these demonstrations give any thought to the distraction they pose to the traffic and pedestrians navigating a very busy roundabout intersection of four roads? Tourists are already unfamiliar with the traffic patterns here. For safety’s sake, these demonstrations should be held somewhere else.
I believe in everyone’s right to voice their opinions regardless of whether I feel they are misguided. But, I feel that the protests being held on the square in Gettysburg should be held elsewhere. The Square is hallowed ground. Men fought and died on the very spot the Democrats feel they must protest. As far as the protestors helping the local establishments, the demonstrators don’t give back anywhere near the amount lost from tourists who came here to honor those who fought here, and instead found a demonstration going on instead of a tranquil and humble atmosphere.
Are the tourists staying away? No, they are not. It’s simple math – more people = more people spending at local businesses. I am sure that their business receipts show no decrease in income. As for “hallowed ground” – if every patch of land people fought and died on in this great country was preserved in the way you describe, many buildings and roads would not exist, including the entire square. Ground that was fought on in the name of freedom for all should be used to express freedoms for all. Sorry, Charles… seems you’re clutching at straws here because… Read more »
I am a Democrat and I don’t like this at all. My family and friends from other States are staying away from this nonsense. I’ve already heard from tourists who did not know this was going on when they arrived, and they were upset – why? People want to go on holiday and/or come here to learn about the Battle to get a big darn break from 24/7 political stuff in their faces. I am also tired of fellow Democrats believing their way and ideas are the only “right” ones and if they don’t get their way they do a… Read more »
There is something much more important than the mere potential of money lost from tourism. It is freedom and opposition to tyranny. The men who suffered and fought here did so for their beliefs, some to support their new country, Union soldiers like my great grandfather to preserve the Union and to end slavery. As we honor them we now stand for our beliefs in freedom, rule of law and support of the Constitution. These peaceful protests, protected by the first amendement, must continue until government “of the people, by the people and for the people” becomes a true reality.
I expect to see you all there every weekend until the 2028 election.
Your “belief” may not be the “beliefs/perceptions” of others in the country, including this Democrat writing right now. Quite frankly, Dems have been played by bought-and-paid for mainstream media and have simply lost their minds. Enjoy life for a change – this country has been overdue for a big break from protests (of all kinds) for some years now. Also, Constitution is just fine as it (and our Nation) has just been saved from the East Coast “crime family” and Marxist Dems.
What a strange comment. Do you even know what a “Marxist” is?
I agree. Wrong time, wrong place, with manner over the long run to be seen.
Honest question, if you believe the protests shouldn’t be at the square, then where else in the town should they be?
How about somewhere “outside” of town! My family wants to visit without having reminders of 24/7 political ideology in their faces when they want to enjoy learning about the Battle here, etc.
Yes, it is hallowed ground, which is precisely why the protests are important! The current administration is shredding the Constitution piece by piece, while Congress stands by. As a veteran who swore to “defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic”, I fully support the rights of individuals who peacefully and lawfully exercise their first amendment rights.
Would you like it if Republicans were saying the same thing and showing up to protest? Afterall, this is really the town of Pres Lincoln (Republican)! Moderate Democrat here, just asking!
Republicans have the same rights as Democrats to express their views. As long as they are able to protest PEACEFULLY with clean messaging like these folks are doing on the Square. However, January 6th has shown us that they may not be capable of doing so. Note also that there are some Independents and Republicans amongst the demonstrators each Saturday who simply want to protest the horrific actions by our current administration, especially the grave injustices shown to our veterans and brave servicemen and women. I encourage you to engage in dialogue with some of these folks. They have compelling… Read more »
I believe the fact that men fought and died on the hallowed ground that is Gettysburg, is the perfect place for the peaceful protests. After all, given the extreme divisiveness that the current administration and his cult have caused, we’re in a very similar situation as we were during the Civil War. Additionally, these times of a president who is quickly becoming a king, is akin to the Revolutionary War. Regardless of which past wars we can liken these critical times to, it is all about freedom (or the loss of). The peaceful rallies are only an hour long. I… Read more »
A recent Town Hall in Gettysburg featured 3 empty chairs instead of our invited elected representatives. They have disgraced themselves yet again. Given that, it appears these rallies are one of the very few remaining ways constituents can be heard. I’ve seen a lot more support for these very disciplined rallies from people driving through town than anger from the handful of folks who make their displeasure known, with middle fingers aloft, by loudly ripping through town, revving their engines. Seems people choose different ways of making their political views known in Gettysburg. If only Town Halls were one of… Read more »
It’s been suggested that we re-read the Gettysburg Address and consider those words in the light of our current political concerns. Put in that context, having this chance for free speech on the Square is definitely relevant and appropriate.
With or without demonstrations, the Square is anything but tranquil and humble. Especially on weekends, it is a busy hub in our town. Why would we lose money from tourists? No one is keeping the tourists from going into shops or restaurants. The demos last exactly one hour each Saturday. If someone disagrees with the cause these demonstrators are fighting for, they can just avoid the Square for that ONE hour each week. Or walk behind them into the stores. We attended a concert in the Square last night and a group of Harley motorcycle drivers – some with confederate… Read more »