— from Bob Phalan —

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As many residents of Orcas Island cringed on Friday January 20, 2017, they were preparing for multiple rallies they would attend on Saturday. Seattle, Bellingham and Friday Harbor are places that we know Orcas folks attended rallies. Rallies to protest promised changes to federal policies concerning everything from healthcare to civil rights and immigration to climate change.

Hundreds of thousands of people joined in protest in dozens of cities all over the United States as well as around the globe.

Meanwhile, an estimated 250 people gathered in Eastsound, many wearing homemade pink “pussy hats,” singing songs, and carrying signs while marching peacefully.

The initial idea of meeting near the labyrinth at the Episcopal Church had to be scrapped as the crowd quickly grew too large for the space and was moved to Waterfront Park. From there the crowd marched peacefully along Main Street to North Beach Road and up to the Village Green stage where they gathered for photos and a short speech. The marchers then returned to the Episcopal Church via the path to the south of the Orcas Food Co-op, through the Island Market parking lot and returning to Main Street.

Marchers and drivers alike worked together along the route helping to keep everyone safe. Upon their return to the labyrinth many took the opportunity to walk the path in silence in one of the most moving moments of the day.

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