MORRIS TOWNSHIP - There were about 400 people assembled on the front lawn of town hall

Thursday night.

This was a celebration of the life of John Lewis, a civil rights icon and long-time congressman from Georgia who died five years ago - July 17, 2020.

Lewis, most famously, urged like-minded souls to "get in good trouble" to improve life in America.

In Lewis' case, that meant getting beaten by racists during the 1960's civil rights era. Things are less violent today, but it's the spirit of opposition - and resistance - to the Trump Administration that lured people to gather on a hot and humid night.

Many brought signs with messages familiar to anyone who has attended similar rallies.

"The power lies with the people - no kings."

"End the inhumanity."

Speakers condemned the administration's immigration crackdown and federal budget cuts impacting education, health care and clean energy.

Are we going to just accept that?

"Hell No," was the answer from the crowd.

Bud Ravitz, a Morris Township Committeeman, summed up the sentiment of the night this way:

"Walling off America and sowing division is a monumental mistake."

Rallies of this type certainly give people an opportunity to demonstrate and to let off steam. But the speeches tend to be repetitive. Everyone is speaking to the converted as the saying goes.

There is a gubernatorial election this year, but that, surprisingly, was not mentioned. The event was in Mikie Sherrill's CD-11.

However, the name of Tom Kean Jr did come up. The crowd booed. Kean, persona non grata among Democrats, represents nearby CD-7.

Arguably, the most pertinent observation of the evening came from the Rev. Lance Mann, pastor of the Union Baptist Church of Morristown.

Scanning the crowd, Mann clearly noticed that many attendees appeared to be Baby Boomers, or to be less polite, old.

This is actually common at these rallies. Many older women, for instance, are angry that their daughters and granddaughters have fewer rights than they did growing up.

But it is also a problem. Getting young people involved is a challenge - for both parties.

Mann got right to the point when he said it is not good enough "to just stand and listen to speakers (and) make signs."

No sir.

The pastor urged the crowd to talk to their friends and neighbors, especially the younger generation and make sure they vote.

"Get them off the couches, off the video games and off their phones," he said.