WHEELING – Close to 1,000 people united in Elm Grove on Saturday to protest a multitude of issues with the federal government and President Donald Trump.

The protest was one of thousands held across the United States dubbed “No Kings” day.

Many people went straight to the rally point, which was located at the intersection of National Road and Kruger Street in Wheeling. Hundreds of others first participated in a march that began behind Glo Tone Cleaners and made its way onto Lumber Avenue and then back onto the National Road sidewalk, heading toward the rally point.

Before the rally began, Wheeling resident Bob Gracey, who was dressed up like Uncle Sam, shared why he wanted to participate.

“I used to be proud to be a Republican, but now I’d be ashamed to be a Republican because of all the things Donald and his crew are doing,” Gracey said. “Their disrespect for human beings. The criminality of their behavior. Bombing little boats out in the ocean without having the Navy or Coast Guard interdict them; see what they are instead of just blowing them away.

“I’m just offended by everything of the Trump administration. The incompetent people put into office. The good, competent people who have been forced to resign or on principle have resigned. It just makes sense to me that we’ve got to say, enough is enough. No kings. Decent democracy – that’s my thing.”

Glen Dale resident Kathy Stalnaker, a Marshall County Democrat, came to the rally with her husband Tom Stalnaker. They both talked about why it was important for them to attend the event.

“We’re here to try to protect the rights we have,” Kathy Stalnaker said. “We’re a firm believer that the ACA should be kept the way it is. If people can’t afford health insurance now, they need to keep what they have. And as a woman I think my rights are slowly being taken away no matter what the people in Washington say. That’s why I’m here today.”

Tom Stalnaker said decades ago people fought for civil rights for everyone during the 1960s and now those rights are trampled.

“Fifty years ago I fought this battle for women’s rights, for gay rights and all the rights we fought for in the 60s are slowly being taken away,” he said. “It’s a smack in the face for what we had to put up with, and I’d like to see it stop. I know what the path is now is not good. You can’t passively allow your rights to be taken away. And that’s where I stand.”

Rayland resident Nan Keenan created a handpainted sign for the event featuring a yellow sunflower and pinwheel stuck in the middle.

“So many words are used today to describe what is happening in our country,” she said. “People want to know what we can do, what actions can we take? Mercy responds to that need. Mercy is compassion in action. Mercy cares and mercy acts. … Mercy is forgiving and inclusive. Mercy rises above hatred. Everyday acts of mercy and the fundamental goodness of Americans will never be cut from the landscape of a beautiful America.”

The protestors made and held a variety of signs. Some signage statements included “Wake up. Due process is a right not a privilege,” “We are Americans for democracy,” “No clowns, no crowns,” “They’re spending like drunken sailors,” “Hate will not make us great,” “Protect free speech,” “No shame admitting you were lied to,” “Unpaid, outraged local protestor,” “No facism, no Trump,” “Jefferson County says no kings,” “When the government fears the people, it starts calling them extremists,” “Stop the billionaire takeover,” “Good trouble lives on,” “Defund fascism,” “Defend democracy. No kings, no dictators,” “Hey Congress, SCOTUS. Do your job. Uphold your oath. Protect the constitution,” “Resist tyranny, restore democracy,” “No military takeover,” and many more.