Napa, CA – On Presidents’ Day, hundreds of people gathered at the Napa 9/11 Memorial Garden for a powerful rally titled “We the People,” standing in opposition to what they described as an attack on democracy and civil rights by the Trump administration. The event, organized by local leaders and hosted by Representative Mike Thompson, was held to celebrate American democracy while addressing the policies that many see as a threat to the nation’s core values.
Rallygoers, some of whom carried flags from home, others handed out by the organizers, held up signs denouncing the administration’s stance on immigrants, government agencies, and broader civil rights issues. Participants expressed concerns over what they called the erosion of democratic principles under President Trump’s leadership, with particular emphasis on the government’s treatment of marginalized communities and the shrinking role of federal agencies that serve the public.
Representative Mike Thompson, who spoke at the event, made an impassioned plea for unity. He urged Americans to preserve the ideals represented by the Stars and Stripes, warning against its potential transformation into a symbol of right-wing autocracy. “We cannot allow the American flag to become a tool of division and authoritarianism,” Thompson declared, underscoring the rally’s theme of defending democracy and the rule of law.
As part of the event, a placard was placed next to the Napa 9/11 Memorial, quoting the famous words by poet Emma Lazarus, which adorn the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s founding ideals, specifically its history as a land of opportunity and refuge for immigrants.
The rally, which drew a diverse crowd of individuals from various backgrounds, also served as a call to action, with organizers urging participants to stay engaged and continue pushing back against what they see as efforts to dismantle the country’s democratic institutions. For many attendees, the event was not only a moment of reflection but also an opportunity to unite and advocate for policies that uphold justice, equality, and the rule of law.
The rally at Napa’s 9/11 Memorial Garden marked an important moment for the community, where residents and activists joined together to voice their opposition to the policies of the Trump administration and to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the values upon which the United States was founded.