Standing Tall for Democracy: Reflections from James Madison University’s Homecoming and the No Kings Rally Oct 24 Last weekend, as I returned to Harrisonburg, Virginia, for homecoming at James Madison University, I found myself reflecting on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. While many came back to reconnect with old friends, celebrate victories, and relive memories, for me, the defining moment wasn’t the football game or the reunions. It was the No Kings Rally and March on October 18, a gathering that became a powerful reminder of why standing up for democracy still matters. If you believe in protecting democracy and want to read more reflections like this, please consider subscribing to stay connected and informed A Movement Beyond One Campus That Saturday, marches and rallies took place in cities across the country. Thousands of Americans stood up together to reject authoritarianism, call out attacks on democratic norms, and reaffirm the principles that make this country what it is. I couldn’t be in Washington, D.C., where I serve and protect every day as a Capitol Police officer, but I made it a point to stand in solidarity with the people of Harrisonburg, the community that helped shape me during my time at JMU. A few hundred people gathered early that morning: students, alumni, and local residents, many holding signs that read “No Kings” and “Defend Democracy.” The message was clear. This was about rejecting any leader who placed themselves above the law and any movement that sought to undermine the will of the people. Some alumni had returned for homecoming weekend and joined in, but much of the energy came from Harrisonburg residents who marched through downtown before returning toward campus. A Call for Resilience I didn’t march, but I stood with a group of about 40 people and shared a message of resilience and determination. I told the crowd, “This is a time to stay in the fight. We must keep pushing forward, stand up for what’s right, and never back down.” Those words weren’t just for the moment—they were a reminder of what I’ve learned through experience. Staying engaged and resilient is not just about one protest or one election. It’s about never giving up, even when the path forward feels uncertain. Throughout the nationwide protests, organizers made it clear that nonviolence was at the heart of the movement. These demonstrations emphasized peaceful civic engagement and rejected violence or aggression in all forms. Despite attempts by some, including Whip Tom Emmer, to label the No Kings movement as hateful or extremist, the rallies remained calm, organized, and deeply committed to peaceful advocacy. This stood in stark contrast to the violent insurrection on January 6, which I witnessed firsthand as a Capitol Police officer. The peaceful demonstrations across the country showed that defending democracy does not require destruction—it requires courage, unity, and moral clarity. The Spirit of Community As the march moved through downtown Harrisonburg, people on porches and in storefronts watched and applauded. Cars honked in solidarity. Around campus, tailgaters grilled, laughed, and played games, a reminder that homecoming traditions carried on even as the spirit of activism filled the air. Later that day, JMU beat Old Dominion 63–27, and that win, coupled with reconnecting with old friends I hadn’t seen in twenty years, was the perfect end to the day. Yet even with the celebration, the message of the march stayed with me. Seeing local residents and alumni come together reminded me that in these challenging times, it is crucial to stay in the fight and believe in the power of community and collective action. Democracy doesn’t protect itself. It depends on people—everyday citizens—who care enough to speak out, to stand together, and to keep believing in a better, fairer future.