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Nome residents returned to Anvil City Square on Friday, June 6, for another protest of the Trump Administration. This time the grassroots group focused on proposed cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The protest was held on the same day Americans recognized an important moment in American history.
81 years ago, allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. The successful operation marked the beginning of the end of the Nazi regime. June 6, referred to as D-Day, is now used as a day of remembrance for those that fought and died in service.
This year in Nome, remembrance turned into protest.
Nome resident Betsy Brennan is part of Nome Rally for Democracy, a grassroots group that aligns its events with nationwide protests.
"One way to show our appreciation for veterans is to come out and support veterans,” Brennan said.
She stood alongside fellow Nome residents, including two veterans, protesting proposed cuts to the VA.
The cuts could mean slashing eighty three thousand jobs from the VA, back to levels last seen in 2019. But Brennan said it’s not just about cuts to the VA.
“A lot of the information we've seen come out of the current administration is cutting a portion of the veterans health care,” Brennan said.
Nome resident Hannah Anderson said her concerns go beyond the VA.
“Hearing the president back in May comment that he didn't know if he had to uphold the Constitution. To me, that's pretty scary stuff right there,” Anderson said.
For Nome resident Bob Lewis, D-Day is about holding those in power accountable.
“When promises are made to people who are asked to spend portions of their lives serving their country, those promises ought to be kept,” Lewis said.
According to the Pew Research Center, just over half of veterans supported President Trump in the 2024 election, a show of trust that Lewis said isn’t being honored.
“By cutting funds to veterans’ health care and cutting funds for staffing at the VA, he is damaging not just veterans' health, mental health, and research opportunities to prevent problems,” Lewis said. “He's damaging the morale.”
Nome Rally For Democracy has further protests planned, including one next Saturday, June 14. It’s part of a nationwide demonstration dubbed “No Kings Day” that symbolically aligns with President Trump’s birthday.
