Great Lakes Wire

On Saturday thousands of Americans will stand united at dozens of locations across the country, according to a conservative group.

The American Patriot Council is sponsoring a Nationwide Freedom March and participants in 51 cities in 26 states will take part, according to Ryan D. Kelley of Allendale, the “founding father” of APC.

All will start at the same time, 3 p.m. Eastern, 2 p.m. Central, 1 p.m. Mountain and noon Pacific. It will be live on Facebook.

Its goal is to “peacefully assemble as patriots,” Kelley told Great Lakes Wire. 

“This is for anyone who considers themselves a patriot, who loves our country, and wants to keep the core values in which we were founded. We want to show we are united,” an online promotion for one of the events, set in Simi Valley, California, states. “Bring an American flag and your love for the values in which our nation stands. Walk with us or drive by to show your support.”

Kelley said the APC honors the spirit of freedom-loving Americans like former President Ronald Reagan. One of his most famous quotes is on its website.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream,” Reagan said. “It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”

Kelley will speak at the event in Allendale, as will others. There is no set schedule. Some events will include marches, such as in Salt Lake City, where the event will end at the Utah Governor’s Mansion. Others will have music and a stage for speakers.

“There’s a lot of politicians speaking, there’s a lot of people running for office,” he said. “Derrick Gibson, who is running for governor of New York, will speak at one he is organizing in downtown New York City.”

Kelley said individual organizers can determine how they want to hold their own events. At his event there will be music, speakers and a parade of cars.

“Everybody’s got their own personality in it,” he said.

Early voting will not be part of the events but people will be asked to vote in support of candidates favored by the APC, which is conservative and pro-Donald Trump.

“We’re Trump supporters,” said Kelley, who met him when he was the president-elect in late 2016. “We have endorsed Trump.”

He said it’s likely some people will bring Trump flags and wear Trump clothing to the rallies. All he asks is that they also carry American flags.

Kelley has stressed the need for the marches to be respectful, peaceful and positive. The events have been cleared with local law enforcement, permits have been obtained and traffic control arranged, he said.

“We support law enforcement,” Kelley said. “We back the blue.”

He’s not sure how many people will show up. His goal is at least 10,000, but the sheriff in Ashland, Kentucky, said he expects 5,000 at that event alone.

Boyd County Sheriff Bobby Jack Woods is one of several law enforcement officials who has been contacted to ensure the events are held in an organized and peaceful fashion, Kelley said.

Kelley helped organize and spoke at a protest against COVID-19 restrictions at the Michigan state capitol in Lansing this spring. Numerous people were carrying guns, and Kelley said there is a good chance some people will be armed this weekend as well.

That is their right under the Second Amendment, he noted, adding that the whole point of these rallies is to celebrate American freedom and rights.

“We are hoping for the largest display of patriotism in American history,” Kelley said