On Inauguration Day, while thousands gathered to gawk and/or protest at Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC, a world record was set in San Francisco on the Golden Gate Bridge, where 3,500 demonstrators formed a human chain that spanned the entire length of the bridge for the first time in history.
The demonstration was organized by Bridge Together Golden Gate and was billed as “a collaborative, grassroots, community-based demonstration and performance art piece“ that would “prove that #LoveTrumpsHate and [that] we are #StrongerTogether.”
The Flint family, who came up from Cupertino to participate, stood out with their fuzzy Muppet-esque bear hats.
“Everyone should be out here today!” said Elaine Chan-Scherer from San Francisco. “It’s so important to do something in the midst of something that causes great anxiety. We have to act instead of being blocked, stopped and dulled.”
Demonstrators dressed in purple, which was, in the words of the organizers, “a nationally recognized color symbolizing anti-bullying efforts.”
Kristin Zibell of San Francisco said that she “came to protest the presidency.” Though the organizers wanted to avoid using the word “protest,” many of those present still saw the demonstration as a means of protesting.
Zane Grimm (right) is a 91-year-old World War II veteran. “I’m at the demonstration because I believe there could have been a better choice,” he said.
Christine Hough (right) of Martinez said she came “to stand up for decency, kindness and civility…human rights for all in this country. I intend to resist Trump and his hatred every step of the way for as long as it takes.”
