Hundreds — possibly more than 1,000 — protesters lined the intersection of 147th Street and LaGrange Road in Orland Park on Saturday, June 14, as part of the nationwide No Kings Day demonstrations.
Organized by South Suburban Relentless, the event aimed to show resistance and solidarity against President Donald Trump’s perceived authoritarianism.
The rally in Orland Park drew attendees from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., including people from across the south suburbs and out of state.
Passing cars honked and drivers waved in support of handmade signs reading, “Slavery, not peace, comes from giving all the power to one man,” and “With liberty and justice for all.” Thousands of signs and American flags were waved along the busy road.
“We’re here to protect our constitutional rights,” said Wendy McCarthy. “Due process is important.”
Donna LaBeau, a senior citizen and first-generation American, said the current political climate is unlike anything she has seen in her lifetime.
“I never thought I’d witness this. Trump is ruining our Constitution,” LaBeau said. “I’m proud to say I stood up. When you see something, you say something.”
Spirits were high, and the event remained peaceful — one of many taking place across the country and Chicago-area June 14, which fell on Trump’s birthday and Flag Day, a date chosen intentionally by organizers.
“We’re here to demonstrate that we’re done with this stuff,” said Debbie Bolek, a protester from Tinley Park. “It’s not just Trump — it’s the whole Republican Party doing nothing to help people.”
Bolek added, “Everything Trump is doing is for his gratification, and we’re all sick of it!”
Many attendees emphasized the importance of voting and civic engagement.
“This is a real movement that’s going to counter MAGA,” said John Parffery, visiting from Texas. “If we can meet in the middle — where we agree on 75 to 85 percent of issues — we can make real progress. But first, we have to push back against this slide into chaos.”
Groups of friends joined together, and many families brought their children.
One protester, Anne Sliwinski, attended with her 9-year-old son, Oscar. He held a sign that read, “Donald Duck is better than Donald Trump.” Originally from Baltimore, Sliwinski said she is used to taking her children to protests in Washington, D.C., but didn’t expect such a large turnout in Orland Park.
“I’m overwhelmed — in the best way,” she said, emotional. “It’s beautiful to see this many people stand up here in the suburbs. I want my children to know their rights and never hesitate to speak out.”
Don Marzke said public frustration should serve as a warning to lawmakers. “We need to let Congress know that their jobs are in jeopardy next year,” he said.
Another protester, Suzette — who declined to give her last name — said she attended because “our democracy is depending on it.”
“Not everyone votes in the midterms, but we need to,” she said. “I believe in helping the poor and immigrants. This administration has been grifting everything — coins, beans, cars — all while saving money for the rich.”
Suzette said the rise in hateful rhetoric has been especially painful to witness.
“We show our integrity by helping those who need it most,” she said. “It shouldn’t matter what color we are, what religion we practice or who we love — we’re all people.”
Although counter-protesters have shown up at past events, Saturday’s demonstration remained peaceful, echoing the solidarity that many participants hoped to express.
“This is about empathy and peace,” LaBeau said. “We protest with both.”
Orland Mayor Jim Dodge praised the peaceful nature of the rally.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the individuals who participated in this afternoon’s protest in Orland Park as well as to the Orland Park Police Department,” he said in a statement after the rally.
“Exercising First Amendment rights, peacefully and respectfully, sets the standard for our community. By coming together in a non-violent manner, you demonstrated the power of unity and respectful dialogue. You represent a strength in our community and the values we uphold in Orland Park.
“I also want to extend a special thank you to the Orland Park Police Department, under the guidance of Chief Eric Rossi, for their professionalism and support in ensuring a safe environment for all participants. Thank you for your commitment to community safety while respecting the community’s right to protest.
“Thank you to all for exemplifying how protest can bring awareness to a point of view while prioritizing safety and respect for one another. Together, we can continue to foster an environment where everyone’s voice is heard.”
Millions of protesters took part in similar rallies across the country on Saturday with about 75,000 estimated at the rally at Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago.
Who cares?
Where was everyone when the precedin Presidents from Clinton until now deported approximately 20 million illegal immigrants? As far as I’m concerned we already have “No King” day. It’s called the 4th of July.
Hopefully, they are smart enough to stay Off the roadways