Just wanted to share my thoughts on the Women’s March in Washington yesterday- a vivid, exhilarating, and unforgettable experience. 61 of us left on a bus from Chestertown at 6:30 am, arriving back at 7:30 pm.
SCENE- We were divided into groups, but I quickly lost most of my group, not to see one until we were all back on the bus. (All had detailed directions of where to meet later.) We did not anticipate such an indescribable (but peaceful, patient) mob.
There was no actual March (“This is not a parade,” said the speakers. “It’s a march!”) because the whole route- all the blocked streets- were JAMMED with people (frequently breaking into the chant: “This is What Democracy Looks Like!”) , so no one could move much for 4-5 hours.
Even though we arrived 2 hours before the start of the presentations, we could only get as close as one of the Jumbotron screens only after a few hours, and hear people like Gloria Steinem, Michael Moore, Madonna, and Alicia Keyes.
SECURITY- So very reassuring to experience a total lack of security searches, and only an inconspicuous police presence- a feeling that we are trusted not to bring in a hand grenade or other weapon that some deranged person could have had to easily wipe out 1000 people.(BUT IT DIDN’T HAPPEN! NOTHING happened!!!)
SIGNS – Mine (“Women Make America Great”) was tame compared to a lot. My favorites:
“Melania, blink twice if you need help.”
“Build a Wall Around Trump. I’ll pay for it!”
The sign of my friend Holly Johnson said it all, “We’re Still Here!”
Notes by Muriel Cole and photos by Frances Miller
Frances Miller says
Would love to have taken these photos, but they are just some of the many taken by fellow marchers: B. Chase, M. Pritchard, A. Johnson, R. Edelman, S. Whitely and G. An. If I’ve left one of you out, please weigh in. I’ve been at many marches and rally’s, but this was one of a kind. Noisy, upbeat, purposeful, and confident in the rightness of our message, it filled the Mall and spilled over into streets beyond Independence and Constitution. My favorite chant “This is what Democracy looks like!” If you didn’t make it to this one, plan on joining us for the next….
Martha Holland says
I am very proud of Chestertown and the people who went to Washington. Thank you so much for representing all of us who wished we could be there but couldn’t make it. Looking forward to the next opportunity. Thank you all, and the pictures are wonderful!
Janet Witter says
Bravo ladies. You do us proud. Keep up the good work calling Andy Harris every day and opening up your check books. We must not give up.