On Saturday May 12, one member of Occupy New Hampshire traveled to Worcester, Massachusetts to participate in the regional occupy event known as Occupy New England. Individuals from Occupy Boston, Occupy Worcester, Occupy Maine, and various occupies from Connecticut came together in a day of solidarity to share ideas, energy, and create new relationships.
After a week of gray, cloudy, wet gloom in New England, Sun shown for the first time on Saturday. It was a beautifully warm day without any humidity. This made for good marching weather. The group marched through Worcester (through the "bad section") chanting "WHAT DO WE WANT? JOBS! WHEN DO WE WANT THEM? NOW!" and "BANKS GOT BAILED OUT WE GOT SOLD OUT". Occupiers were greeted with cheers, waves, honks, and love from spectators. Many came out of their homes and shops to see what the noise was about then gave the Occupiers support through thumbs up, hand pumps, and other gestures of acceptance.
Occupy New England stopped at one Bank of America to pass out flyers to customers and show some visibility. Most BoA customers looked at the Occupiers with curiosity and graciously took the literature handed out.
While the police came and went throughout the day, including to Bank of America, no trouble was had. We showed Worcester Police we can protect our rights while being respectful toward others. It was a peaceful day of solidarity.
It was determined Occupy New England will get together about every two months. The next meeting will be in July in Connecticut and in New Hampshire in September for Hands Across New Hampshire.
