Rally for democracy in Wooster part of nationwide movement
Around 1,000 people gathered in downtown Wooster on Saturday, April 5, joining communities across the country in a nationwide demonstration.
Around 1,000 people gathered in downtown Wooster on Saturday, April 5, joining communities across the country in a nationwide demonstration supporting democracy, free speech and civic engagement.
The event, which drew a diverse crowd, was marked by peaceful protest and impassioned calls for government accountability. The League of Women Voters of Wayne County was present to assist with voter registration ahead of the May election.
Many participants carried signs highlighting concerns with the current administration’s policies, citing issues such as Social Security, tariffs, health care, scientific research funding and education.
“First and foremost, I wanted to convey my support for our democracy and freedom of speech,” said Hank Kreuzman, a Wooster resident. “I was surprised by the number and diversity of people who showed up… There was an attitude that we are a strong country and by engaging any problems we face we will succeed.”
Kreuzman emphasized the importance of open and vigorous discourse, calling it a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
“This was an opportunity for people to share ideas and demonstrate concerns,” he said.
For Alex Lowry, the gathering was both personal and generational. She attended with her mother, brother and two children.
“I want to be able to say I actively participated and was involved,” Lowry said. “I also wanted to show my children ways to participate in peaceful protest and stand up for the justice and human rights issues that are important to us.”
Her mother, Ruth Sewell, added, “I was impressed to see how many people stood up for their democracy.”
Lowry’s 14-year-old daughter held a sign reading, “My adulthood will be influenced by this.”
Barb Friedhoff, another attendee, recalled a moment that stood out.
“A young woman in a car stopped at the light in front of us,” Friedoff said. “She looked around at the crowd, and tears started rolling down her face. My friend mouthed, ‘Are you OK?’ She rolled down her window and said, ‘I’m just so happy to see all of you’ before the light changed and she drove on.”
Kreuzman expressed hope that elected officials, including Rep. Max Miller and Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, were listening.
“I hope they pay attention to the voices of all of their constituents,” he said.