‘D-Day for Democracy' rally to be held Saturday in Peoria
The 'D-Day for Democracy' rally is the fifth mass rally organized by 50501, a grassroots national movement opposing the policies and practices of the second Trump administration. Organizers with the Peoria chapter of 50501 said their goal is to build a movement that cannot be ignored by elected officials.
'Our democracy is under threat by an authoritarian regime in Washington. As we see it, they have abrogated rights. They're not following court orders. They're essentially trying to empower themselves at the expense of the American people. This is a chance to both honor individuals who have fought for democracy in the past and to mobilize those who want to fight for democracy right now,' said Jim Haptonstahl, who is part of the Peoria chapter's leadership team.
The date of the rally comes one day after the 81st anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of Normandy Beach in France by Allied troops in World War II. For the organizers, this moment harkens back to that time when democracy triumphed over autocracy.
'We picked a Saturday when it was best for us to get to the crowd that we would like and to essentially celebrate that moment, but also call into people's attention the reality we face right now,' explained Haptonstahl.
While the group is vocal in its opposition to Trump, Haptonstahl said the movement is meant to be inclusive and open to all who support democratic institutions.
'We understand there are differences of opinion, and we want to assure them that we want to have a big tent welcoming to a diverse group of people who may have views that aren't exactly alike amongst them. But in the end, what we share is an absolute commitment to democratic institutions being preserved,' he said. 'People may disagree with some of the fundamentals we have to say, but we believe once they join us, they'll see that we are a welcoming group.'
50501 previously coordinated nationwide 'No Kings' demonstrations on Feb. 5, Feb. 17, and March 4. They were also one of the lead organizers for the 'Hands Off' demonstrations on April 5, drawing an estimated three to five million people in 1,400 events.
'D-Day for Democracy' rally is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Peoria Stadium. Organizers said it's a peaceful event, and no violence will be tolerated.
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