The Canada Caravan was organized by Indivisible Middlebury, to express our appreciation, respect and long-standing friendship between Canada and Vermont.

On Saturday, April 26, many of us drove in the rain to the Williston Park ‘n Ride, where we reconnoitered and got directions from our fearless and dedicated leader, Heidi Willis. People had Canadian flags to pass out, Canada signs for the car windows, as well as many creative, funny handmade ones. Example: Get Your Tiny Hands off Canada, We Love Canada, We Hope You’ll Accept our Apologies, as well as two huge banners to hang from the overpass before the border crossing. The banners read “Vermont Stands with Canada,” one in French, the other in English.

We drove up 89 in a long caravan, led by Gardner Merriam, in a big, dark blue pick-up, with two big flags flying, one Canadian, one American. We had our flashers on and drove up to Exit 22. We were directed where to park, and then to the overpass — we stood in two lines on both sides and waved and smiled at the oncoming traffic from both directions, receiving honks and waves in reply, including long, loud honks from two semis from their air horns — very satisfying!

A reporter from Channel 5 met us in Williston, drove all the way up with us, then interviewed and took pix from below the overpass, looking up, from both sides. We expressed our outrage at Trump’s appalling behavior toward Canada, and his lack of respect and knowledge for their national sovereignty.

There were about 70 people who came in 35 vehicles from different parts of Vermont, and it was great to meet and connect with them, as we build a stronger, larger Vermont community. There were 10 different Indivisible groups, including Mad River, Champlain Islands, Middlebury, Northeast Addison County, Castleton, Burlington and Shelburne. It was both heartwarming, inspiring and fun to do this action together, and kudos to Heidi, Karen, Mary, Al, Gardner, Judy, Kevin, Jen, Carl and others from the Indivisible Middlebury Outreach group. We appreciate all who came to demonstrate your concern for what is happening in our country and to our national friendships and alliances. The Canada Caravan was an extraordinary gathering during this time of uncertainty, cruelty and greed, and reaffirmed our connections with each other and our community.

Indivisible continues to stand up for democracy, human decency, our Constitution, the environment and respect for people. Our next in-person meeting will be at CVUUS, in Middlebury, on May 6, from 4:30-6 pm. Park at MUHS and walk over. We’d love to have you join us! Contact us through [email protected].

Bethany Barry

Cornwall