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About 6,000 people lined Langston Boulevard and nearby bridges on Flag Day for Arlington’s “No Kings” demonstrations, forming crowds as much as three people deep along the 5.2-mile route from Rosslyn to Falls Church.
Protesters carried American flags, wore red, white and blue, and displayed signs criticizing President Donald Trump’s actions and policies. Passing drivers repeatedly honked in support during the two-hour event.
Julie Wadsworth, waving two American flags at the intersection of Langston Boulevard and George Mason Drive, said the most meaningful part was making eye contact with supportive motorists.
“We appreciated each other,” she said. “We were unified. And that hasn’t happened in a while.”
The crowd included families, recent high school and college graduates, people in their 80s and children as young as 9. Nora, one of the youngest participants, said she deliberately made a sign that was not mean and contained no bad language.
Several businesses provided free cold drinks as protesters endured the heat. Asia Halal Market, Bangladeshi restaurant Gharer Khabar and Siam Myalek in Cherrydale distributed water or soda, while residents also emerged from their homes with water.
We of Action Virginia organized Arlington’s two events with Indivisible, Third Act, Falls Church Visible and Indivisible. One demonstration was initially planned as a visibility campaign on pedestrian bridges over Interstate 66.
After participation exceeded expectations, We of Action leader Micaela Pond said organizers wanted to avoid overcrowding the bridges while still accommodating everyone who wished to join. The resulting “Hands Across Arlington County” effort was intended to bring more than 1,500 Northern Virginians together in a human “chain of conscience.”
Turnout ultimately climbed far beyond that projection, reaching an estimated 6,000 people, according to the Arlington County Police Department. That figure did not include motorists who honked while passing the demonstration.
The national “No Kings” mobilization was organized in response to Trump’s planned $45 million military parade and birthday celebration. Participants contrasted its taxpayer-funded cost with proposed reductions or funding constraints affecting Social Security, SNAP, Medicaid and public schools.
We of Action Virginia is an Indivisible-affiliated organization founded by an Arlington public school teacher in November 2016. It advocates for impartial government, separation of powers, civil rights and civil liberties.