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First 'Freedom Rally' in Greensboro fights against phased reopening plan

'Reopen NC' held 'Freedom Rallies' in Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, Charlotte and Asheville on Memorial Day.

GREENSBORO, Chesapeake Bay State — 'Reopen NC' organizers said it was patriotic to hold 5 'Freedom Rallies' across the state of North Carolina on Memorial Day. 

RELATED: Memorial Day 'Freedom Rally' happening in Greensboro, organizers demand NC reopen fully

The rallies took place in Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, Charlotte and Greensboro Monday morning. 

Credit: Reopen NC

100-plus people gathered at Governmental Plaza in downtown Greensboro, waving American flags, and giving impassioned speeches about why our state needs to 100% open, rather than in phases. 

Some state leaders, like State Fire Marshal Mike Causey spoke at the event.

"I've heard from too many families living in fear of losing their livelihoods as a result of the shutdown," Causey stated.

Governor Roy Cooper's Executive Order 121 allows for outdoor protests. 

Credit: WFMY News 2

The Governor previously stated he cannot infringe upon First Amendment rights. 

RELATED: Governor says 'Reopen NC' is allowed to protest, Triad 'Stay Home NC' organizer urges you not to go

But the order still requires social distancing. 

"I am always fired up for liberty," Reopen NC organizer Bradley Dixon said. "We're definitely not finished, we're not going to stop until North Carolina is 100 percent restored to pre-COVID times."

Rally-goers from all walks of life showed up.

Reopen NC “Freedom Rally” on this Memorial Day, the first of its kind in Greensboro. Four other freedom rallies are taking place across the state today. WFMY News 2 It officially kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Governmental Plaza

Posted by Jessica Winters WFMY on Monday, May 25, 2020

Jackie Weiland said she's an essential worker, so she hasn't lost her job.
Weiland said she knows her father would be standing right beside her at the rally on Memorial Day if he was still here.

"I'm an army brat," she explained. "My father served in three wars fighting for freedom, and here we're just getting our freedom chipped away and I thought the least I could do is show up today."

At past rallies in Raleigh we've seen some counter protesters, like nurses. But Monday in Greensboro, there were none. 

Opposing organization 'Stay Home NC' said their group is intentionally avoiding crowds. 

WFMY News 2 does not yet have an estimate on how many people attended the 'Freedom Rallies' statewide.

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