VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Despite the grimness across the nation that prompted the gathering, spirits were high and the messaging was strong among the 170 democracy-defending protesters who came together in Valley City on Saturday, March 28th in Veterans Park.
The local event was one of more than 3,300 No Kings 3 protests held in all 50 states and across the globe, all expressing opposition to the tactics and ethics of the current U.S. administration. Early estimates indicate that at least 8 million people protested on March 28, which proved to be the largest protest in United States history.
Vicki Voldal Rosenau said, at the local protest, special honor for patriotism was earned by 100-year-old participant Elsie Keys of Valley City. Still recuperating from hip-replacement surgery, Elsie was chauffeured by her attentive daughter, Karen Edland, in an SUV displaying large banners declaring: “100 Years—18 Presidents—0 Kings” and “New Hip—Still Standing for Democracy.”
What, exactly, are concerned citizens protesting? The dozens of other hand-made signs displayed in Valley City provide a clear answer. For example, the diverse sign messages included:
“No to kings, warmongers, ruthless acts, voter suppression, protecting predators. Yes to freedom;”
“We Want a Democracy, NOT a Dictatorship;”
“We have Eyes—STOP the Lies;”
“I Am Here for My Grandchildren;”
“Dismantle Fascism Nov. 3rd;”
“Healthcare over Warfare;”
“When Injustice Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes Duty;”
“Open the Epstein files. Stop the cover-up, Expose the Pedophile;”
“Valley City Says NO to Trump’s Wars;” and “No Kings-I am a farmer–I need fuel, fertilizer & open markets”
Voldal Rosenau said local protesters unmistakably projected their purpose and concerns on Saturday by joining their voices in several inspirational chants and songs, such as this adaptation of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” tune: “We are gathered in our cities, we are countless voices strong, We are speaking out in protest to protect what’s right from wrong, Come join us brothers, sisters, in this freedom lovers’ song, Our truth is marching on! We the People stand together, End this tyranny forever, We the People stand together, Our truth is marching on!”
The question of what’s next after No Kings 3 will be the topic of a mass “Indivisible” call at 7 PM CDT on Tuesday, March 31. More information is available at https://www.mobilize.us/
Coordinators of the protest in Valley City were Angie Martin and Arlene Andrus, both of Valley City.
And across the street there was a parked mini van with several signs in support of President Donald J. Trump and all of his current policies that he has implemented since taking office in January of 2025.
Feature photo: Recuperating from hip-replacement surgery did not dissuade 100-year-old Elsie Keys of Valley City from participating in the “No Kings 3” protest in Valley City March 28. Her daughter Karen Edland created special banners for the side of their vehicle reading: “New Hip—Still Standing for Democracy,” and “100 Years—18 Presidents—0 Kings.”
