Jan. 21, 2017 – what an amazing day it was here in Port Townsend. Hundreds gathered in solidarity with millions worldwide to march for love. I’d expected to be part of a few dozen at our little local march. After all, we’d sent four busloads and lots of carpools to the Seattle march, in addition to the 35 who flew to Washington, D.C.

But people just kept coming. And coming. And coming. When we actually started marching, our numbers stretched for blocks. As at any Port Townsend march, dogs were well represented, but so were babies, and there was an occasional wheelchair.

Congressman Derek Kilmer flew in from D.C. the night before to be with us. At march’s end, he spoke about the amazing real women from our district he’ll be fighting for – those whose lives depend on affordable health care, those whose communities are threatened by climate change, those who depend on excellent public schools for their futures, those whose elder years rely on the continuation of Medicare and Social Security, those whose lives are threatened by bigotry in all its guises.

Kilmer gave thanks to all the marchers. Then he called on us to make our protest permanent, to get involved, get elected. To prepare for the days to come, have a look at indivisibleguide.com. Learn how to influence what happens next. Forward the website to your friends and family in states less fortunate than ours.

And, for sure, write to our terrific senators and congressman. Kilmer says he’s under no illusion as to how hard his job is going to be going forward – every day, day after day. Make sure he and Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell know you have their backs. Remember, this is just the beginning. Remember, it’s up to us.

SHARON DEMBRO

Port Townsend