This is what democracy looks like, the young woman, wearing Native American regalia, chanted amid a sea of people of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities, gathered among one of Omaha’s parks and major thoroughfares.

But their voices were unified once again as an estimated 8 million people in more than 3,300 rallies across all 50 states, and many cities across the globe, took part in the third “No Kings” protest, held within the last eight months, since President Donald J. Trump re-took his oath of office – by law, pledging to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

It was historically, the largest, single-day peaceful protest to date, surpassing each previous “No Kings” as well as the “Hands Off” rallies, held in the same vein, by millions. The second rally, 14 times larger than both of Trump’s presidential inaugurations combined, an unprecedented moment of unity and resistance, according to various media reports.

Here in Omaha alone, thousands unified in Gallagher Park at 52nd and Northwest Radial Highway, to hear keynote speeches, calls to action, share information and donate to what they deemed worthy causes. Throngs lined the streets, receiving a cacophony of horn blasts in a steady show of support from like-minded drivers, before marching through the Benson Business District, as the event drew to a halt.

The nationwide protests were sponsored by a coalition of more than 200 organizations, including 50501 Movement (short for 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement), the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Federation of Teachers, and funded by a mix of progressive foundations, unions and grassroots donations, according to media sources.

They were joined on the local front by a contingent of “Pissed Off Grandmas,” many breaking into chorus, some in TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) shell hats, historical garb, and other seniors voicing their concerns about what type of world they would be leaving to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren – if their proposed course-corrections go unheeded.

“As always, ‘No Kings’ is a grassroots movement funded first and foremost by donations from attendees and supporters in the city. Each of the coalition organizations assisted with fundraising from among their membership and contributed. We did also receive a donation from ACLU as well,” said Colin, a spokesperson for the 50501 Omaha, one of the key local organizers.

“We estimate about 6,000 people, comparable to the last ‘No Kings’ event, although counting this time was challenging due to the spread-out nature of the venue,” he said of the rally-goers, meandering in and out of the park throughout the day.

Their unifying cries, a rebuke to government overreach, abuse of power and trampling of civil liberties – in a country, which once so proudly hailed their constitutional rights, nearly 250 years ago. Their valiant endeavors, freeing countrymen from British rule – hence the modern-day, “No Kings” moniker – or as some cheekily coined it, “No Faux-King Day.”

Although the current conflict in the Middle East, the president ordering U.S. strikes against Iran, sending thousands of troops overseas and gas prices spiking, were a galvanizing force – especially among the younger generation – there were plenty of other motivating factors, according to various news outlets.

More specifically, the administration’s immigrant crackdown, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), their goon-squad tactics, resulting in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and other acts of mayhem in Minneapolis, flagship site of this event, memorialized by Bruce Springsteen’s song and launch of his “Land of Hope and Dreams Tour,” the Epstein files, the rising cost of living, as well as election protection, as the mid-terms near.

“Officially, ‘No Kings’ is a protest of fascism and government overreach in all forms,” Colin explained. “We protest ICE activities, the abhorrent lack of trans rights, needless wars, reduction of social services and health care, reckless destruction of our planet, wealth hoarding, while a living wage becomes harder and harder to come by, rampant pedophilia in government with no repercussions, and the flagrant violation of the rule of law and checks and balances, that are designed to prevent dictatorship in our democracy, among many others,” he said.

A mere glance at the people gathered not only encapsulates their unity but also the nation’s diversity.

“We have people at these events who are livid with the descent of the U.S. into fascism and want to yell in solidarity with others, and we have people who bring their kids and dogs for a nice day at the park, talking about community building, and everything in between,” he added.

In Omaha, there were a variety of speakers and musical performances from community members and organizers, including Schmeeka Simpson from the ACLU, Sherman Wells from “Untamed,” and Rachael Parker, who works in homeless response and “MMIR” (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives) advocacy.

“We have a fantastic and ever-growing pool of interested speakers and their messages have been well received at these events,” Colin said.

Which seems to help draw the crowds …

“Our events are usually rallies because it can cater to a diverse set of interests and accommodate that variety as best we are realistically able. That said, 50501 Omaha and our coalition organization run events outside the ‘No Kings’ rallies that include other types, including more conventional protests, art projects, vigils, etc.,” he added.

During the rally, the Omaha event hosted 30 tables from community organizations and nonprofits, most of which collected donations.

“Some of the big wins: Donation drive for hygiene products and food for ‘All People's Pantry,’ $650 for ‘HEAL Palestine,’ $1,500 for ‘Omaha Mutual Aid’ for a community garden project, and that’s just what we were informed of,” Colin said.

And, while their numbers grow larger, their unified voices louder, grievances more numerous, the nation remains a house divided, with the current administration dismissing the cries of “we the people” as “socialist lunatic leftists," the protestors paid actors.

Shots are lobbied across the aisle in Congress, among community members and amid social media – with what seems like futile attempts to find some middle ground, further tarnishing our nation as that “Shining City Upon a Hill,” a beacon of liberty, opportunity and hope, taken from a sermon popularized by then President Ronald Reagan in his farewell address, echoing ‘round the world.

Even Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, deemed an oxymoron in itself, by the growing number of rally cries, is reputed to be rife with misinformation, right-wing propaganda and underlying Christian Nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge American identity with a specific, conservative interpretation of Christianity, often aiming to enforce these beliefs through government action, according to one definition.

Yet for others, “the moment carries a sense of irony,” calling for uprising abroad, contrasted with a growing resistance at home, according to various news sources.

“Trump once called for Iranians to rise against their leadership – but that wave never came. Instead, a different kind of movement is unfolding across the United States. From New York to Washington, Chicago to Boston, massive ‘No Kings’ protests have filled the streets, with millions voicing their frustration and dissent,” one recently stated.

Yet, organizers acknowledge, change doesn’t happen swiftly...

“The purpose of this event isn't to solve our issues directly; it is to begin the process of connecting people with like-minded individuals and building infrastructure that will lead to bigger and more impactful actions down the road. ‘No Kings’ is the first step,” Colin said.

Despite their best efforts, the “No Kings” rallies have not yet reached the 3.5 percent population threshold, estimated at roughly 12 million Americans, a figure often cited to indicate a likely successful, sustained, and nonviolent movement for political change, according to various sources.

But they are undeterred.

“We strive to improve each ‘No Kings’ from the previous in our ability to run a smooth event, get people out and engaged in their communities, and find a way to get involved that aligns with their interests. To that end, this was a successful event,” he said.

However, the biggest reason to attend – to get connected with ways to be active in your community, per coalition members.

“The breadth and variety of tables, each with different strategies and methods for addressing our shared struggles, allow for a great chance for people attending to connect with a cause that resonates with them. Whether someone is there for mutual aid projects, direct actions, or anything in between, there will be a place for them to meet,” Colin said.

The rallies, he added, are a great opportunity to take charge, have a stake in the future, and initiate the change.

“The best way to get involved is to come to these events and connect with the organization that makes the most sense to you. There are big needs, small needs, financial needs, time needs; there is something for everyone,” he said.

Or as Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of “Indivisible,” a national movement working toward stopping the rise of authoritarianism in the United States, stated …

“It’s as American as apple pie, to stand up for our rights, to stand up for our neighbors.”

Nor will “we the people” be scared into non-action or silence, in reference to ICE fear tactics aimed at protestors.

“Just the opposite, more than 200,000-plus showed up for ‘No Kings Eyes on Ice,” he said of the movement’s nationwide, virtual training, held prior to the event.

It was designed to equip Americans with tools to exercise their rights and safely monitor federal enforcement actions in response to the escalating brutality, days after the Minneapolis killings on Jan. 7 and Jan. 24.

“This is a moral movement to save America,” Levin reiterated, on a nationally televised broadcast.

So as the body counts rise, the president calling the strikes in Iran, “a military excursion,” rather than war, not making it any more palatable to a growing number of countrymen, it begs the question – it’s not what we’re fighting over, but what are we really fighting for?