The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hold a rally Saturday in Cortez that coincides with national “No Kings” rallies planned for Flag Day.
The rallies are founded on the theme “In America, we don’t do kings,” according to nokings.org. The “No Kings Montezuma” rally runs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Welcome Center, and one in Durango’s Buckley Park runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Because of the partisan nature of the “No Kings” approach, local League of Women Voters President Karen Sheek said they are promoting the event as a Flag Day rally to “support democracy” and celebrate the American flag.
The flag officially became a symbol of American ideals on June 14, 1777. Centuries later, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 to remember that foundation.
“This nation was founded on protests,” Sheek said. “This is an opportunity to raise our voices and protest things we feel are wrong and get our representative’s attention.”
“We’ve found that many people are concerned about things happening and aren’t sure what to do,” she said. “They call, email and write their representatives and concerning decisions continue to be made.”
The rally is an opportunity to gather, Sheek said, and “raise our voices with others who are also concerned.”
Participants are asked to meet at the Welcome Center parking lot in Cortez at 1 p.m. “armed with your American flag and a protest sign of your choice,” whether it concern public lands, Medicaid, cuts to veterans benefits, or otherwise.
People are also encouraged to bring food donations for the Good Samaritan Center, and are asked to not park in the Welcome Center or swimming pool parking lots.
Organizers plan to set up information tables detailing “important local agencies.” There will be drums and bells for folks to play during chants. The rally will go until 2:30 p.m.
“We’re hoping for 1,000 people, our best turnout yet,” Sheek said. “We’ve got to keep the pressure on.”
