February 23, 2025

Greetings,

My name is Elise S., a Rockbridge resident like you. Like many of us, I care about the health of our democracy and the good things that can flow from it. In light of challenging times, some fellow citizens and I are hosting a low-key yet necessary rally in downtown Lexington on Friday, Feb. 28, 4 – 5:30 p.m., corner of Main and Washington (Old County Courthouse by the Veterans’ Memorial). 

Below are the details that explain the purpose and vibe of this event, which are important to understand. If this rally sounds like something you’d like to be part of, come join us. Everyone welcome, including children.

• About us: we’re just a couple of citizens of various affiliations and none, united by a shared concern for democracy, respect for one another, and rule of law. We’re not a group or a club and are non-partisan, — just people of goodwill, your friends and neighbors. This is a lightly-planned spontaneous happening.

• About the rally: Protests have their place, but this is not a protest. This rally has a different purpose. It is a positive opportunity to stand with and for something:  in this case, basic values and American ideals that many of us hold dear. 

• Purpose: Many of us have been alarmed by recent federal actions that upend values and practices upon which a strong democracy depends.  Our distress is deep and real, — yet also, behind that distress, so is the love: the love for what matters, for those threatened principles, values, and ideals. 

This rally, therefore, is a grassroots opportunity to uphold what is always worth affirming: to bear witness to what we cherish. It is a time, on the last day of February, to bring out our valentines.

• Logistics: This is a peaceful and public honoring of what collectively many of us hold dear. Bring your own poster/big valentine, plus extras to share if you want. Stand with and for what you love, that’s all. We’ll line up along the public sidewalk, not blocking flow, generally quiet, like a vigil. Maybe they’ll be a few songs. Maybe some cookies. Come anytime, leave anytime, 4 – 5:30 p.m. rain or shine. That’s it.

• Our Posters: We’re honoring what we value: keep it affirmative, keep it simple. . . I ❤️ Democracy is a winner, of course, since upholding this system of government is key to it all.  Or maybe, I ❤️free speech, immigrant families, strong communities, human dignity, clean air, care of the poor, science, religious liberty, free weather reports, well fed kids . . .you get the idea: what sings for you? What’s worth defending and standing up for? Bring that good energy to your sign and make that poster as marvelous as it wants to be!

• To Recap: This rally is for things worth rallying for. There are times and places for protests, but this event is upstream from that. It’s about getting together to speak up for what we care about. Bring your good hearts and a friend. Feel free to share this invitation with others.

Yours in community,

Elise and friends