The sound of thousands of people marching through the streets of downtown Dallas could be heard on a hot June afternoon. Many of the demonstrators held signs calling for a range of things- from President Donald Trump’s impeachment to defunding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to freedom for Palestine. This was the Dallas “No Kings” protest that took place on June 14.

According to The Associated Press, the “No Kings” rallies attracted millions of demonstrators across the country. The nationwide events coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It took place on Trump’s 79th birthday.

The parade was estimated to cost taxpayers at least $25 million and featured soldiers and military equipment, including tanks and other militarized vehicles. Part of the estimated budget accounted for Washington D.C. road repairs, as modern roads are apparently not able to handle the weight of military vehicles.

In the North Texas, the “No Kings” protests took place in multiple cities and towns throughout the day. There were differences among the people who participated, but all were united under one cause, to say no to a dictatorial regime.

The turnout at the Dallas rally was massive with Dallas police estimates of around 10,000 participants. People of all different races, religions, ages and nationalities took part. The diversity of the crowd reflected the makeup of the United States and reminded those attending where they came from and what the U.S. has represented to people for 249 years: the United States is the “melting pot” of the world.

There were elderly women holding “No Kings” signs sitting on benches who may not have been able to stand for long periods of time or participate in the march, but they came out to make their opinions known. Children ran around holding homemade signs. Veterans discussed their experience in the service. Immigrants talked about the struggles they endured – not just get into the country, but to start a new life here. These are the American people.

Some people may say those who protest hate this country, but it’s just the opposite. People protest because they love this country, and they love the people in it. They don’t want to see the nation’s founding ideals thrown away. They recognize the hard work and effort it took to build this country into the superpower that it is today.

On a personal note, my parents both served and met in the U.S. Army. After retiring from the service, my mother became a high school government teacher. My father grew up working on a farm in rural Illinois. I’m as All-American as they come. But so is the Dreamer. So is the immigrant who risked everything to come to this country in hopes of giving themselves and their family a better life.

The United States of America was founded by immigrants, people who left their old lives behind for the hopes that this country promised. That is what being American is about. It’s about pursuing a dream and being willing to do everything to achieve it. It’s about working hard to reach the goals of those who came before – those who could not reach their achievements because they didn’t have the opportunity. It’s about the underdogs and the spirit of those who refused to be quiet even when they were met with opposition because they knew what they were standing up for was right.

People demonstrate because they know how hard people fought to make this nation what it is today. They refuse to let one person, or a team of people tear down the achievements so many others sacrificed for. We must  also refuse to chastise people who have made big sacrifices to be part of this country.

The United States of America heralds itself as the “melting pot” of the world for 249 years. Now, those in office are trying to erase the diversity that made this country so powerful and special to begin with – a place where people of all backgrounds can feel that they belong. The United States is a place where it doesn’t matter where you came from, only where you are going. It’s a chance to begin again. And the American people are not letting that go without a fight.