by Hunter Bledsoe
Last June, something amazing happened in New Braunfels. Dozens of cars — more than 50 in all — came together in a show of unity, community and hope. Each vehicle flew flags and carried messages about equality, immigrant rights, and the simple but powerful idea that every person deserves respect and a voice in our democracy.
We called it No Kings Day, and it was organized by Indivisible Hill Country as part of a nationwide event that brought together diverse groups, including Indivisible, 50501, MoveOn, and others from around the country.
From small towns to big cities, people came out in their own communities to make one message clear: Our democracy belongs to all of us and there should be No Kings here.
In New Braunfels, our event took shape as a Peace Train — a moving celebration of democracy that wound through the city streets with signs waving and horns honking in solidarity.
The Peace Train was co-sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists of New Braunfels (UUNB) whose members joined in support of equality, compassion and community action. People smiled, waved and some even joined in as we passed. When the caravan ended at Landa Park, the celebration continued with conversation, laughter, and the sense of belonging that comes when a community comes together for something bigger than itself.
The name “No Kings Day” carries a special meaning. It’s a reminder that our democracy was founded on the rejection of monarchy — of the idea that one person should hold unchecked power over the rest. In America, there are no kings. Power rests with the people, and our voices matter. That ideology is something worth celebrating, especially in time when democracy can feel fragile or distant.
No Kings Day isn’t about partisanship. It’s about participation — about recognizing that democracy only works when we all engage, when we look out for one another, and when we refuse to let cynicism or fear divide us. It’s about unity, equality, and love of country in its truest sense — not blind allegiance, but the kind of love that demands fairness, justice, and opportunity for everyone.
That’s why we’re doing it again.
No Kings Day 2 will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 on the sidewalk at 686 S. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels. Everyone is invited to join us — families, neighbors, friends — anyone who believes in the promise of democracy. Bring your signs, your smiles and your voices.
We also ask everyone to wear yellow — the color of happiness and joy — because that’s what we want the day to be: a joyful, positive celebration of community and democracy.
This year’s No Kings Day 2 will be part of an even larger movement with participants in over 18 countries standing together on the same day in solidarity for democracy, equality and human rights. From New Braunfels to nations across the globe, people are coming together to say with one voice: There should be No Kings here — or anywhere.
This event is hopeful, welcoming and open to all. Whether you’ve been active in the community for years or are just starting to get involved, No Kings Day is a perfect way to connect and to feel the energy of a people united by purpose and pride in our democracy.
You can find more details about the event here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14SrY5U2fPi/
Democracy isn’t something that happens far away in Washington, D.C. — it happens right here in our towns, in our neighborhoods and in the choices we make every day. When we stand together, when we lift one another up, and when we make our voices heard, we are doing the work of democracy. That’s what No Kings Day is all about.
So come out and join us. Let’s celebrate what binds us together — equality, freedom, and the belief that there should be no kings here.
About the Author:
Hunter Bledsoe has been an activist for over 30 years, fighting for equality and basic human rights for all people. Nothing drives him more than working to make the world a better, fairer place. He believes citizens are stronger together and that diversity makes people resilient. “There are too many things we must fight against to be fighting among ourselves,” Bledsoe says. “So we come together to fight for our democracy, equality, unity, the rule of law, and demonstrate our love of country.”