Susan Seidel, an Indivisible volunteer, said the presence of American flags and a commitment to nonviolence was the group’s way of retaking their country.

“We came here to have no kings,” she said. “In fact our flag doesn’t belong to Mr. Trump, it belongs to us, so I’m glad we’re reclaiming it.”

Retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky then took the stage to chants of “Thank you, Jan.”

Schakowsky spoke of elder constituents she had spoken to who were fearful of losing health care like Medicare and Medicaid.

“Can we stop him?” she asked to a resounding “Yes.” “Yes, we can. And we’re not gonna stop until we win.”

Kay Makarenko sat front row at the protest with a sign reading “If there’s money for a parade, then use that money for Medicaid.”

“I’m very scared for my grandchildren,” she said, noting many of them are just entering the adult world. “They won’t have the freedom, it’s being taken away. I’m very discouraged.”

The 85-year-old Lincolnwood resident also relies on Medicaid and said she wouldn’t last long with the current proposed cuts.

Living in an elder care facility, it helps level the cost for her, but if it’s cut: “I’d be in the poor house,” Makarenko said.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky addresses a crowd at an Evanston No Kings rally in Fountain Square.