by John Reid

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)

On the eve of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, many will ascend upon Washington, DC that weekend. The rights of individuals on issues from Medicaid to reproduction are at risk, and the voices of those who stand for the oppressed will be here as well. Scott Christian of Warrenton is organizing a bus trip to the People’s March on Washington on Saturday, January 18. He is representing himself, and not a group.

The March 

Specific details are yet to be released by the organizers, some of whom organized the Women’s March of 2017. If you search for “People’s March on Washington,” you should find the Mobilize website where you can register and opt to receive updates. 3

Details about the Bus Trip organized by Scott Christian, not representing any group – I have rented 2 buses for a total of 112 seats. Seats will be allocated on a first come-first-served basis upon receipt of this signed document with a check/cash for $45– either by postmark or the date when it’s given to him. Sorry– no Venmo or other payment apps. – The 2 buses will leave from the Park-n-Ride lot at the intersection of 29/15 and 605 (Airlie Rd.), just east of Warrenton at 7:30 AM. The bus will drop off riders at R.F.K. Stadium. We will walk from there to the rally site. Depending on where the March begins, the walk to the site could be from 2.0 to 3.5 miles in length– roughly an hour to an hour and a half. The March officially begins at 10. – The bus will leave R.F.K. Stadium for the trip home at 5:30 pm.

– All backpacks and bags may be subject to search at the March, and those not conforming to the standards set here may be confiscated or required to be left behind. Backpacks are NOT permitted unless they are clear and no larger than 17″x12″x6″ (colored transparent bags are not permitted).

● Bags/totes/purses for small personal items should be no larger than 8”x6”x4”. ● Specifically for people who would like to bring meals, each marcher is permitted one additional 12”x12”x6” plastic or gallon bag. 

● For marchers who have medical needs or for mothers who need baby bags or breast pumps, please ensure that your supplies fit into the above described clear backpack. You can have one backpack per individual, as long as they meet the above guidelines. 

● Canes, walking sticks, walkers, and portable seats are allowed for individuals who require them for mobility and accessibility on a regular basis. 

● Do not bring anything that can be construed as a weapon, including signage with any kind of handle (e.g. a sharpened wooden stick). 

● Flags are allowed, but not on a pole. Posters and signs are allowed, but not using wooden sign posts. Instead, we encourage people to use cardboard sign posts. 

● We cannot promise cell service for calls or texting on the day of the march. Please be sure to make a plan for the day of the march with your friends, family and group ahead of time, in the event that cell service does not work. [I have no idea if this is still an issue in 2024?] 

– In 2017, the March organizers gave us a list of a few establishments that welcomed marchers to rest there. And the museums along the Mall will be open, too. They have restrooms, but lines may be long. – At this point, there is no information about the starting place for the March, the route, the agenda, the speakers, etc. 

TO SECURE ONE SEAT ON THE BUS: Send or hand this signed document with a check/cash for $45 made payable to Scott Christian– P. O. Box 748, Marshall, VA 20116. – Any questions, call me at 540.272.0483 or email fscott5195@gmail.com.