D.C. onlookers line streets for Trump military parade; ‘No Kings’ protests unfold nationwide

American flags large and small filled the crowd of protesters at the “No Kings” march in Philadelphia, where demonstrators said they were fighting to protect their country and democracy.

“We’re taking our flag back. We feel like Republicans have basically tried to take over the American flag and kind of use it as a weapon against other people in the country,” said Stacie Phillips, 59, as she and her husband marched and held a large American flag between them.

“We wanted to come out because we are consistently seeing Donald Trump and his administration illegally try to use their power in very corrupt and criminal ways,” she said. “We are tired of seeing that, and the best thing we can do is stand up for what we believe in.”

Phillips said the massive protest stood in contrast to the large military parade Trump will hold later Saturday.

“I think it very sends a very powerful message, especially today, that we counteract that with something that shows that we are resisting,” she said. At the same time, members of the crowd chanted, “No more fascists, no more Trump!”

Francis Cota, 35, who waved a large American flag above his head as he marched, said he and other protesters were “fighting for democracy” and to protect a country that they love.

Cota said the issues most important to him were “human rights and the environment in a big way” as well as democracy and diplomacy. 

Francis Cota waves an American flag in Philadelphia.Daniella Silva / NBC News

He said that while America has its problems, its democratic values are something, “I think people, especially people my age, often take a lot of those things for granted.”

“Like, I feel more like we’re the ones here, like, trying to, like, preserve our institutions,” he said.