SAUGUS — Supporters of former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign gathered at the Walnut Street overpass, waving flags to show their enthusiasm for the Republican candidate.
The organizer of the event, Kerry-Ann Hogan, said that she, her mother, and her uncle have been coming to the overpass every Saturday since April, inspired by a feeling that they needed to do something.
“I think a lot of people here are supporters, but they’re afraid. They’re afraid of retaliation, they’re afraid to stand up for what they believe in. So we wanted to let people know that there is a safe space to do it,” Hogan said.
Hogan said that the turnout for the event on Saturday, which roughly 20 people attended, was good. She said these events often have significant turnout, and she and her family are always there. When they leave the area, she said, they don’t leave any trash behind.
“Genuinely, we leave with a really good feeling afterwards. There’s a lot of love. A little hate, but a lot of love,” Hogan said.
The event was held two days after the end of the Republican National Convention. Hogan said that Trump’s speech at the convention was different from what she had expected.
“I expected a more… unifying, more bold speech,” Hogan said.
Overall, though, Hogan said “there was a lot of good in there.”
Hogan said that the most important part of the convention for her was the representation of the everyday American.
“I know a lot of average everyday people can relate to a lot of the struggles that were discussed, and I think that’s the most important part — our country unifying — and the fact that this isn’t the country that we deserve, this isn’t the way our country is supposed to be running. The American people deserve more,” Hogan said.
Hogan said that unity is desperately needed in the country.
“We see things are wrong, where things have gone wrong… we can unify under that. Getting us back to the right place, where we have freedom and we can live our lives… that’s what this country needs to unify under,” Hogan said.
Hogan feels that Saugus, which has chosen presidential candidates from different parties in the past, is a purple town politically.
“I think historically, Saugus is one of the only purple towns or cities in the state where they can’t be called either way,” Hogan said.
She said that Trump’s performance at the debate was strong, considering the rules of the debate.
“Every time he’s out, he exudes strength, dignity, honor,” Hogan said.
She added that if the Democratic Party runs a candidate who is “willing to fight for the people,” then she hopes that the election has a strong turnout.
Hogan wanted U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds to be Trump’s vice-presidential candidate, but said she trusts his judgment in choosing U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance.
She said that she supports Trump because of his love for his country above all else. Hogan also said that anyone is welcome to come to these events on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which are postponed to Sundays if there is rain the preceding day.
“We welcome anyone up here. You want to fly your American flag? You’re welcome to do it. We want everybody to join,” Hogan said. “I believe in the people.”
Attendee Denise Page, who organizes a Trump-themed barbecue event at the Salem Willows, has been coming to the flag-waving event since it started in April, and often travels to other Trump-related events in the area.
Page said that Trump learned a lot of lessons in his years in office, and said that he is going to “make much better choices this time.”
She expects the whole state of Massachusetts to be competitive this election.
“Truthfully, I’ve always liked Trump… I just always watched him on TV… just something about him. And I met him personally, about 30 years ago at his casino in New Jersey when he was married to Marla Maples, and I got a picture of them for my daughter,” Page said. “He’s brash. He comes from New York… he’s brash, but he’s got a kind heart. Nobody knows about all the struggle stories where he’s helped people. I guarantee you, the man that was killed… at the rally… he’ll take care of them for the rest of his life. That’s how he is.”
Hogan said that when people drive by and are negative toward those at the overpass, they respond by blowing them kisses and making peace signs, which she said often sways their attitude.
“We’re all about spreading love,” Hogan said.
