President Donald Trump scheduled a military parade in Washington on his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Army June 14.
According to the Associated Press, the Flag Day parade involved for more than 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters.
Meanwhile, hundreds of “No Kings” protests were organized across the U.S., including in Park City and Heber.
The Park City protest on the pedestrian bridge over Interstate 80 at Kimball Junction drew more than 200 protesters who hoisted signs amid honks and cheers Saturday.
First-time protester Arlet Ramirez of Park City said she came to the 9:30 a.m. demonstration to show support for those who aren’t citizens.
“I wanted to come out here to be able to represent the people that are not able to be here due to fear and not being able to use their voice,” she said. “I think it's important to show out for those people, especially my Mexican community.”
The Heber protest began at 11 a.m. in front of city hall on Main Street. About 200 protesters waved signs as travelers honked while driving by.
Katherine Symonds attended the protest because she said liberties are being taken away. She held a sign referencing the military parade in Washington.
“Spending however many millions, $46 million on a military parade, [that] just so happens to fall on Trump's birthday when cuts are being made to supplemental food and forest rangers and firemen and Medicaid recipients, it's disgusting and embarrassing,” Symonds said.
According to NPR, the parade was expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million.
Debbie Winterton was also at the Heber protest with a sign that read “No fascists, no kings, no dictator regimes.” She said the people there weren’t representing one party.
“We're really here to represent the people of the United States, and I think that's what's gotten lost,” Winterton said. “No matter what party or side or whatever it is that you're taking, what's happening here is wrong, and so that's why we're trying to speak out about it.”
James Ross sported a “Make America Great Again” hat at the protest and waved a large U.S. flag. While he didn’t agree with everyone there, Ross said he appreciates America's right to free speech.
“This is a great place for people to be free, and it should be a sanctuary country for people to come to, but if we don't have laws, it won't be a sanctuary for anyone,” he said.
Law enforcement monitored the Park City and Heber protests to maintain public safety and uphold the First Amendment right to peacefully assemble.
KPCW reporter Jonas Wright contributed to this report.
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