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Decades after protesting the Vietnam War, Joe joined hundreds of other seniors on the streets of Herndon and Reston on March 28, continuing what he sees as a lifelong fight for democracy.

Joe recalled receiving draft number 50 during the war, an experience he described as frightening. After demonstrating against that conflict as a young man, he said he was back protesting in his 70s.

John Hoefnagels of Maine stood with his brother, George, near Elden Street and the W&OD Trail in Herndon. He compared the No Kings 3 rally with Vietnam-era demonstrations, though he noted that those earlier protests drew younger participants.

Signs reflected opposition to expanded presidential power, the 2026 Iran War, ICE raids and the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti during federal immigration sweeps. Demonstrators repeatedly chanted, “No thrones; no crowns; no kings.”

Tom Geniesse traveled from New York City and joined his Reston-based sister at the Herndon demonstration. He said he attended to oppose the Trump administration’s policies.

Herndon-Reston Indivisible host Joanne Collins said the organization held the local event with partners including the Community Action Team, Third Act Virginia and Hunter Mill Democrats for Street Visibility. Peaceful demonstrations took place at seven intersections across Herndon and Reston.

Collins estimated that 500 people attended the Herndon corner events, while another 2,200 gathered at five locations in Reston.

Lara Bury of Springfield, a veteran of earlier rallies, said the events have increasingly become a way for participants to form connections amid political upheaval and sustained protest activity. Looking across the crowd, she said the growing sense of community left her feeling more hopeful and less alone.