"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

- German Christian Pastor Martin Niemöller, 1946

In his postwar writings and speeches, Pastor Niemöller repeatedly described his shame for inaction against the Nazis, in hopes of warning others of the importance of showing up and speaking out when they see wrongs being committed.

If he were alive today, he would probably say that it is never too soon, and each individual's action is never too little.

This truth was never in greater evidence than Saturday, January 21, when the Women's March on Washington grew beyond all expectations into a massive demonstration millions strong, spilling beyond Washington to towns, cities and states throughout the country and across the world, described as the largest demonstration in history.

In addition to the tens of thousands demonstrating in Maine cities and towns, an estimated 4,000 Mainers travelled to Washington, D.C., to join the mother of marches in the Nation's Capital.

It was an incredible and very moving experience for those of us who were able to go.

Why did we go?

I went because I deeply believe that, though each of us may feel powerless and insignificant, we are obligated as members of this democracy to take action, in faith that together we can have an effect. I fear greatly the damage this administration can do to our country, our citizens and the world. I do not ascribe to 'Let's wait and see.' History has demonstrated that for some who chose to wait and see, when things were clearly going down the wrong path, it was too late by the time they experienced the tragic results.

Too many times I hear, 'I am only one – what can I do? Who will listen to me?' I have even been told that by one of my elected representatives! Yet what are we but a collection of Ones? Saturday was the most powerful example I have ever experienced, of the massive result when individuals each decide, at significant inconvenience to themselves, to join others, stand and be counted.

Mariella Smith-Masters said: "It was essentially a need to end the cycle of watching our world crumble on television, feeling rage and disbelief; to stop being an observer and go to the heart of the matter. I went because I don't want to leave my daughter behind in this life with all progress for women gone up in smoke."

"What I found there was what I found after 9/11," she continued. "Love of this country, love of each other, and warmth and comfort in unity when we might have expected rage and hatred."

"It was wonderful to walk with Muslims, Jews, immigrants, gays, to name a few of the beautiful people with hope in their hearts."

The crowd was peaceful, extremely polite to each other, passionate, determined. The demeanor of all was positive and the love and commitment was palpable. While the sense of outrage and determination to resist was clear, we all felt safe and supported, and those charged with protection, including the police and National Guard, smiled and responded warmly to our high-fives.

Shereen Bang said: "It was so gratifying that after months and months of discussing with friends the indignities of DJT and his apologists, we were able to join with millions worldwide and protest the erosion of our rights as women, as Americans. As the writer Jelani Cobb states, 'Movements are born in the moments when abstract principles become concrete concerns.' With the current administration, there are far too many concrete threats to our democratic principles, and this cannot stand. The United States, with all its problems, still represents a beacon of hope to the people of the world, and this must stand."

The signs carried by demonstrators clearly did not limit themselves to women's issues. There was no question that the greater unifying factor was the presidency of Donald Trump. Deep concerns over his approach to governing and the diversity of threats to our democratic principles that his policy statements represent were given full and diverse expression in the multitude.

Smith-Masters said, "I was proud that my friends and I, having come a long way from Camden, Maine, were only a few of many from Maine, spotting each other in our 'Maine colors' of blaze orange, and greeting each other with a hearty wave and a huge proud smile."

On our 12-hour journey back home, dazed by the magnitude of the day, our hearts were full.

Now, remaining aware and taking action regularly must be part of our weekly regimen.

Anita Brosius-Scott lives in Camden