Red Hats, Hazmat Suits and Honks as Girdwoodians Rally for ‘No Kings’
Neighbors catch up on events as bubbles float by. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
By Soren Wuerth
TNews Editor
When Norway was invaded by Germany during World War II, a resistance movement quickly formed and spread.
College students began to wear paper clips as a sign of solidarity. Underground newspapers were distributed. In a deliberate cold-shoulder tactic known as the "Ice Front", Norwegians would avoid speaking with the occupiers, give false directions, and stand in a bus rather than sit next to a German forcing authorities to outlaw standing in trams and trolleys.
"No Kings" protesters take to the streets Saturday. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
As part of their resistance, many Norwegian wore red wool caps to symbolize allegiance to the cause.
Minnesotans resisting Trump's immigration crackdown, a violent and controversial operation that left two dead in its wake, adopted the red cap for its "Melt the ICE" campaign.
This Saturday red beanies made an appearance in Girdwood.
One man donned a hazmat suit for the occasion. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
Local crocheter Karen "Flowergirl" Montague is a co-organizer of local "No Kings" demonstrations and said she drew inspiration for red beanie pins and red caps from the Norwegian struggle.
The rally, held in conjunction with national protests, marked the 13th No Kings gathering locally, all held on the corner of Hightower and Alyeska Hwy.
Montague and fellow organizers Emma Kramer and Marianne Daniels were joined by about 40 others, waving signs amid bubbles while sunshine opened and closed like a voting booth curtain.
"Whenever there's a national movement of this size, I want to help Girdwood with an opportunity to join it," Kramer said. "It's time to get ready to vote. It starts Monday."
A sign points out gas prices in Bethel, Ak. The price at the pump adds contention to an highly contested election. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
Besides protesting Trump, many signs related to the upcoming midterm elections. One man dressed in a hazmat suit held a sign that read "agent orange is toxic" on one side and "toxic turd" on the other.
During the hour-long event only one man, driving a black pick-up, expressed disapproval of the demonstration, yelling, "I love Trump" before speeding away. More drivers, however, raised a thumb and tapped their horns until the gesture became normal.
"Our main goal is to remind people to get out and vote early," Montague said.
She spoke about the history of the red hats to two protesters after the event.
"Minnesota brought red hats back as a sign of resistance and they went viral," she said.
"How much?" a young woman asked, picking up a pin.
"Oh, take one! They're free," Montague said.
Organizer Marianne Daniels displays signs that have lasted nearly a dozen protests. Daniels dons a red cap, signifying solidarity and resistance, made by local crocheter Karen Montague. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
Symbolic red caps and beanie pins make an appearance in Girdwood. (Photo by Soren Wuerth)
