10/20/2026
Caucus Vice Chair Benjamin J. Matwey joined a demonstration in Kennett Square, PA, on October 17, 2026. Here is his report:
I participated in the No Kings rally protest in Kennett Square, PA. Their largest EVER. Both sides of the street for 4 blocks through the busiest part of town, right next to the new modern glass-walled library.
I saw a woman about my age holding a handmade “Don’t Betray Our Allies” sign. That is it.
Of all the signs I have seen in many rallies in DE, PA, and one in MI (where I participated in a No Kings rally on the main road next to Lake Huron the third weekend of September), this stood out to me: so basic and powerful.
She was not shouting. Not talking with anyone. Alone. Just holding the sign.
I attended with my large American flag and my large sign indicating Air Force Veteran. And a close friend, a veteran with an Army/82nd Airborne and Air Force background, also with a large American flag.
I told her I liked her sign. She was very polite. Said thank you.
I suggested to her that a few more people from military service backgrounds were feeling that way.
She said yes, but more than a few.
I said, the Putin and Trump diesel deal with Russia, undermining Ukraine, helping Iran, puts more American troops at risk.
She said yes, yes, absolutely.
Nothing more was said.
I walked among the entire crowd of protesters, thanked each and every one of them, called them my fellow American patriots, and I was proud to be with them. Some 400 people. Warm, positive responses back from each. Made sure each saw my sign. And I said to each, I am a retired 25-year Air Force veteran. And being here was the most patriotic service we could do together. Even more respectful and positive responses.
Near the end of the rally, I was on the other side of the street.
Saw that same woman again as she was preparing to leave.
She said to me, I like your Air Force sign. She said her brother was a retired Air Force general. I said that’s great.
She said his name.
I was stunned. I asked her to repeat it.
I know him very well! I told her. I served in his chain of command. Certainly not a Democrat. And, a sister (not sure if this was that sister) is a former local elected official in SE PA!! A REPUBLICAN.
I told her my name and asked her to say hello to her brother. She said she would.
Before you knew it, we had four Air Force vets and this sister of a retired general together.
My view:
Even late in the game, some die-hard Republicans can have their core values shaken by Trump, and say, enough. That is my takeaway.
I feel the ground shifting in PA. And in Michigan. I felt it firsthand.
“Don’t Betray Our Allies”
Could not say or write it better myself.
Canada. UK. Japan. Korea. Ukraine. And on and on.
The margins matter.
I can taste victory, but we cannot give an inch.
---------------
Ben is a resident of Newark and is a member of the RD25 Democratic Committee.
Photo credit: Stuart Lacy, Chair, Kennett Area Democrats
