People’s Marches happened all over the US several days before the inauguration of the new US president. The march in Mountain View, CA, on Saturday, January 18, was advertised thus: “If you believe that decisions about your body should remain yours, that books belong in libraries, not on bonfires, that healthcare is a right, not a privilege for the wealthy; if you believe in the power of free speech and protest to sustain democracy; or if you want an economy that works for the people who power it—then this march is for you.” Cherrill Spencer and Judy Adams of the Peninsula/Palo Alto WILPF branch joined about 300 other activists to stand for their beliefs and show the power of the people.

Thousands of passing cars, trucks, and buses saw the rally at a busy intersection. The event was a bold demonstration of the resilience of resistance.

We marched to unite the people who’ve been the backbone of resistance for generations—and to welcome even more.

We marched to remind civil servants they answer to us.

We marched to inspire, energize, and drive change long after the day is done.

This rally reminded Washington elites–and Americans everywhere–where the power truly lives: with the people. The region’s major daily newspaper reported on the event. Our WILPF branch is committed, as it has been since its founding in 1922, to work for a transformed world at peace, where there is racial, social, and economic justice for all people everywhere.