In downtown Raleigh, Fourth celebrations, abortion rights protests
Two groups of people marked the Fourth of July in two very different ways Monday in downtown Raleigh.
The traditional celebration began at noon with a reading from the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, and a wreath laid at the George Washington monument by the Sons of the American Revolution. The free, family-friendly commemoration included music performed by a brass band, crafts for kids, tours of the State Capitol and birthday cupcakes.
The celebration on the State Capitol grounds contrasted with a protest. Groups in support of abortion rights marched around the capitol square and across the street outside the North Carolina Supreme Court. The court, of course, was closed for the holiday.
About 50 people carried signs and chanted "My body, my life" in an effort to draw awareness to the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Abortion remains legal in North Carolina, but the procedure is banned in more than a dozen states nationwide as a result of that decision.
"It's important for them to hear this on a day like today, celebrating independence, but we are not fully independent," said Audrey Rodriguez. "We do not live in the land of the free. It is only right we came out today."
Over at the more traditional celebration, some could relate to the ideals that prompted the protest.
"I love it," said Kathy Honeyman. "Of all days they are doing it, they should do it today. I'm proud of them, thinking of joining them.
"She read some stuff from the Declaration of Independence, standing for ideals," she said, gesturing to the podium on the capitol grounds. "That is what they are doing."
While a man who identified himself only as Marc agreed with the message, "I can understand their frustration," he said, he didn't think a Fourth of July event was the appropriate time and place.
In Washington, D.C., and across the country, similar protests were planned. Organizers described it as a national day of action to demand nationwide access to legal abortions.
