Local Resident Describes What She Calls the "Spirit of the No Kings Rally"

By Connie Rizoli 

On Saturday, October 18th, I decided to join the No Kings Demonstration held in Palmer, MA. Palmer is a small town in the Pioneer Valley, east of Springfield.

I was surprised and happy to see that a large group of people had gathered in the center of town. There were people of all ages. There were wonderful, creative signs. Folks in costume. The dragon was adorable. People were friendly, peaceful, engaged. And a pretty high percentage of cars driving through the center of town acknowledged us with horn blowing and friendly waves.

I spent some time working my way through the crowd, talking to people and taking pictures. I finally found a place to settle in to fully participate in the happening.

Photo by Connie Rizoli. A protestor at a No Kings gathering in Palmer, MA on October 18, 2025 displays a sign with a picture of a crown crossed out and the words, "NO KINGS."

At some point, I started chatting with a young man. Although I didn’t notice his Charlie Kirk hat right away, he quickly acknowledged that he was a Republican from Palmer who decided to come to the center of town to see what was going on. For about the next hour we engaged in thoughtful, respectful conversation. It was obvious that we disagreed on a lot, but it was also obvious that we agreed on a lot as well.

Sometime during the conversation, I shared that I had worked in the State House and that I would often participate in meetings to discuss drafting legislation – with Democrats, Republicans and a wide spectrum of lobbyists. Conversations could be tense, maybe even heated, but before the meetings ended we would have agreed on compromise legislation. And then . . . we would all go out to lunch.

We lamented that these kinds of meetings don’t appear to happen anymore. Both sides don’t even talk to each other.

Photo by Connie Rizoli. A crowd of protesters line a street in Palmer, MA on October 18, 2025, at of the many nationwide No Kings gatherings on that day.

At this point, a demonstrator noticed the Charlie Kirk cap and proceeded to hurl insults at the young man. At another point, two counter-demonstrators approached us, sarcastically asking what we wanted out of the demonstration.

We chose not to engage any of these people.

Before we wrapped up for the day, the young man quoted Charlie Kirk’s words, “When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence.”

We talked a few minutes longer and then decided to go our separate ways. We shook hands and then, after a brief, awkward pause . . . we hugged.

Thanks to Connie Rizoli, Westwood resident, for sharing her experience with Westwood Minute.

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