On June 14, in the pouring rain, hundreds of people from across Central Pennsylvania streamed into Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg.

Many of us had been unsure about publicly taking a stand. Everyone felt affected in some way by the tumult of the past few months and the threat to the American ideals we cherish. For some, the sight of the National Guard and Marines being pressed into service against their fellow citizens was too much.

For others, the possible loss of the right to speak openly was the issue. We were watching the institutions that mattered be torn apart, services that people depended on be slashed.

Leading up to the nationwide No Kings events, people in positions of power challenged our right to dissent in ways that threatened violence. Some in the media tried to portray peaceful protesters as the instigators of damage and destruction.

Many who might have joined the protests stayed home. But in the end, millions of Americans exercised their First Amendment rights and spoke out to say, “this is not who we are.”

The speakers reminded us that the government is supposed to serve everyone. That our democracy is worth defending. That our elected officials take oaths that they are sworn to uphold.

And then we marched. Hundreds of us walked peacefully to the Courthouse. Downtown Hollidaysburg rang with the chant “Love, not hate, makes America great.” And for the first time in months, I was filled with hope.

Barbara Tessin

Hollidaysburg