January 21, 2017 is a day that will go down in history as being a momentous and historic occassion and I am proud to say that I was a part of something so beautiful. What started as a march on Washington sparked people all over the world to come together, as an estimated 2.9 million people joined in what is thought to be the largest one-day protest in US history.
As a result of certain recent events, I have been feeling hopeless and haven't felt strong enough to speak up for what I believe in. I made myself believe I was staying quiet because I didn't want to cause arguments, or because I didn't do as much research as I thought I had. I kept my opinions and my disappointment in our nation to myself, only voicing it to close friends and family. I was afraid to talk about the man that now holds the title of "President" because I didn't want to feel the hatred that put him there in the first place.
When my friends and I decided this event was something we wanted to participate in, we hopped on a bus to Hartford, CT and were amazed by the sheer numbers of women, men, and children who were riding the same bus. No doubt we would find our way, as all we had to do was follow this crowd of people. The atmosphere on the bus alone made me tear up as I realized I was not alone. These people were here for the same reason I was; to reclaim our voice. They had signs, shirts, hats, and smiles upon their faces.
We were not happy about the reason we were protesting, but happy that we stood together and that, as Americans, we have the right to do so. As we arrived at the capitol, I couldn't believe the massive crowd of people that had come out to be apart of this. I heard so many inspiring speeches and
Governor Malloy officially proclaimed January 21 to be Women’s March on Washington Day in the State of Connecticut. He said, "we believe that love is love is love, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation; and whereas, whether your family settled in Connecticut three hundred years ago, or three days ago - you are welcome here." This event made me proud to be a resident of Connecticut, a citizen of the United States, a woman, and a human being.
I want to thank the people that organized the marches, the speakers, and every single person that was there, in body or spirit. You've restored hope at a time during which I had little to none, and I am sure I am not alone when I say that. We stand together and this is only the beginning.
