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Thousands of demonstrators filled Market Square in Old Town Alexandria on June 14 as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests.

Hundreds of signs and banners rose above the crowd, which heard from U.S. Rep. Don Beyer, Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Virginia state Sen. Adam Ebbin, Del. Charniele Herring and Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter.

“Go ahead, have your parade and your pomp and circumstance. We don’t care,” Gaskins said. “We don’t pay attention to it, because at the end of the day, we know we are stronger than that.”

The Alexandria Democratic Committee organized the local demonstration in coordination with the national No Kings coalition. The coalition said millions participated in protests across more than 1,500 cities and towns. The events were timed to coincide with festivities in Washington marking the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.

Beyer told the crowd that resistance could take many forms and urged demonstrators not to lose hope.

“We are not helpless,” he said. “We love our country. We love and celebrate the rule of law. We will resist. We will prevail.”

Ebbin, the event’s only Jewish speaker, was heckled by a pro-Palestinian protester during his remarks. He later said he could not clearly hear what had been shouted but regretted the interruption.

“We’re here to support everyone’s right to speak even if we disagree with each other,” Ebbin said. “We’re living in a democracy and should let people be heard.”

Attendees cited federal policies and the direction of the government as reasons for joining the rally.

Taki Sidley said people must continue speaking out against what Sidley described as “all the crazy things happening in our government,” adding that change was needed quickly.

Joseph Geulah said immigration enforcement was a driving concern, pointing to ICE raids affecting working parents, children and other community members. He compared the agency’s actions to the Gestapo.

Alexandria resident John Killeen connected the protest’s message to the city’s history.

“We are the home of George Washington,” Killeen said. “We don’t believe in kings.”