by Lisa Schauer
Nearly 200 people holding hand-drawn signs and waving American flags stood outside Morgan County Courthouse and along N. Washington Street on Saturday, June 14, participating in a nationwide protest action.
Berkeley Springs was one of over 2,000 cities and towns across the country holding rallies dubbed “No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance” on Flag Day to coincide with a parade for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C. Protestors stretched for the full block in front of the courthouse.
One of the signs at the courthouse proclaimed, “If there’s money for the parade, there’s money for Medicaid,” referencing proposed cuts by the Trump administration to medical coverage for low-income Americans and those with disabilities.
A few protesters were at the courthouse to show their support for President Trump on his birthday, with Trump and MAGA signs, as were some vocal motorists.
The vast majority the crowd came to the “No Kings” rally to protest what they see as an alarming overreach happening by the executive branch of the federal government.
Signs proclaimed a support for human rights, equal justice, and the rule of law and separate of powers in the government branches.
A stream of truckers and other motorists honked in solidarity as they passed, energizing the crowd.
Law enforcement officers were visible, and no major disturbances were observed during the rally.
Event organizers told The Messenger on Friday that they had received some threats ahead of the protest on Saturday, but were committed to sharing their views without engaging in debates or conflict. 
An estimated 10 million Americans participated in similar events across the country on Saturday.
