A vigil in Friday Harbor was among events nationwide providing citizens with an opportunity to assert their views in advance of Inauguration Day.
A “people’s vigil” outside the San Juan County courthouse in Friday Harbor on Saturday coincided with marches and other events nationwide ahead of today’s presidential inauguration.
Invited via email by Darcie Nielsen to “come together for the same cause: to defend our rights and our future,” participants shared a variety of reasons via their homemde signs for attending.
Jane Wentworth, Leslie Veirs and Darcie Nielsen held a sign from eight years ago, reading “Separation of Powers — not Families.” Immigration and deportation are still a major concerns for people in Friday Harbor, who recall immigration authorities checking documents at the Anacortes ferry terminal and families being separated during the previous Trump administration.
Asked if she would watch the inauguration, Veirs said “absolutely not.”
Kari Koski said she will not be watching the inauguration. She said it would make her “fearful and angry, and just gives them more power.”
Educators Myah Burnett and Noelle Harley won’t be watching, either. When asked what they think the first 100 days of Trump’s administration will be like, Burnett said, “If he does all the things he said, it will be heartbreaking and disgusting.”
“It’s going to be a nightmare,” Harley added.
Many of the signs held displayed a positive message, such as Ellie Sawyer’s “Girls have Power and Strength.” Her mother’s sign, “Possibilities for All” also struck a hopeful note.
A new ad hoc group in Friday Harbor has begun to meet to address upcoming changes. Amanda Lynn announced the group, calling itself “The People’s Coalition of San Juan Island.” Having had just a few organizing meetings, the group is forming subcommittees on immigration, housing, health care, money in politics and the environment.
Signs at Saturday’s people’s vigil carried messages supporting justice for all.
— Story and photos by Nancy DeVaux