A Goochland Fourth

What July 4th is all about

Joint Sheriff's Office and Fire-Rescue honor guard

Kendall Hutchinson sang National Anthem

Taps played after volley by American Legion Post 215

 

Manny Alvarez (at podium) Master of Ceremonies

Hunter Wilson, Mike Wilson, Manny Alvarez, Robin Lind, Amanda Adams, Jeff Mabry, Rhonda Shannon, Bob Warwick some speakers

Blistering heat did not stop Goochland on July 4. Our celebration was wonderful, made possible by many people who worked long and hard on a holiday. Some random observations on the day.

Special gratitude, above and beyond that which they deserve every day, goes to our public safety team. Instead of marking our nation’s 250^th birthday with friends and family, our dispatchers; deputies; fire-rescue providers, both career and volunteer; and parks and rec staff worked tirelessly, many on just a few hours’ sleep, to make Goochland’s celebration our nation memorable.

The Goochland 250 Commission, lead by Manuel Alvarez, moved Independence on the Green, a celebration of the Declaration of Independence, to air-conditioned comfort in the sports complex gym with the extensive help of Parks & Rec. For Alvarez, who emigrated to our country as a teenager fleeingcommunist oppression in Cuba, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are not an abstraction.

Thanks to the many intrepid citizens who braved the heat to attend.

A joint Sheriff’s Office Fire-Rescue honor guard presented the colors, resplendent in exquisite dress uniforms.

The Declaration of Independence, written by Goochland’s own Thomas Jefferson, was read in its entirety by members of the community: Dr. Jeremy Raley, Andrew Meiller, Ellie Creasey, and Rhonda Shannon. The deleted passage dealing with the selling of slaves, was read by Jeff Mabry, a descendant of a revolutionary war soldier. Ms. Shannon’s passionate delivery channeled the anger and frustration of the colonists with King George III.

Bob Warwick gave a simple inclusive invocation and benediction.

Reenactor Mike Wilson, in Revolutionary war uniform, spoke about Goochlanders who participated in the struggle for independence. Their names are listed in the latest issue of the Goochland County Historical Society Magazine.

Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society announced the winners of the Witness Tree Challenge, which identified three trees that have been growing in the county for at least 250 years and been witness to the history of our nation.

Clerk of the Court Amanda Adams assisted by Kendall Hutchinson, who also sang the National Anthem, read the names and rang a bell for each of the 13 original colonies at 2:50 p.m. as part of the National Bell Festival.

There was ice cream, introduced to America by Mr. Jefferson, for all at the conclusion of the program. Kudos to the GVA 250 Commission members for staging the program including many behind the scene contributions of James Richmond, Executive Director of the Goochland Historical Society.

The VA250 “America Made in Virginia” program in Williamsburg was livestreamed in the gym beginning at 8 p.m.

Saving the best for last, Goochland fireworks were shot off beginning at 9:15 p.m. The display was better than ever! Go to https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JcTny6Wdx/  to watch.

The superb cat herding skills of our amazing deputies deftly guided fireworks watchers on their way.

It was truly a day to savor and remember.