Last week’s Fourth of July celebration at the Virginia State Capitol was an extraordinary event filled with energy, music, and community spirit! The Capitol grounds became a vibrant hub showcasing Virginia's diverse communities and extraordinary history.
This historic event was organized by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), which was established by my bill HB 1424 in 2020, and on which I now serve as a Commissioner. VA250 exists to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, or the semiquincentennial, and educate Virginians, especially our students, about Virginia’s pivotal role in our nation’s birth. VA250 engages with all communities that call Virginia home to ensure that all stories are accurately and fully told. Over the next few years, VA250 will sponsor unique events related to the revolution at historic sites and museums throughout Virginia.
Virginia has always acted as the bellwether in shaping our country. The first colonists arrived here in Virginia, and their first encounters with indigenous peoples occurred here. In a shameful chapter, the first ships carrying enslaved Africans landed in Virginia at Point Comfort in 1619. The first representative government was formed here. The famous speeches, critical debates, and many major events that led to our independence movement happened here. And, our nation’s critical founding documents like the Fincastle Resolutions, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution were all written by Virginians. The Revolutionary War ended on Virginia’s shores in Yorktown. VA250’s tagline is “Virginia’s History is America’s Story,” and by leading in this celebration of our independence, Virginians can be inspired to continue contributing to the American ideal of forming an ever more perfect union.
Over 2,500 people from 76 Virginia localities and seven states traveled to Capitol Square to experience this July 4th celebration. After about an hour delay due to a quick storm that forced all of us to run into the Capitol and shelter in place, the afternoon began with a statewide bell-ringing ceremony featuring iconic landmarks and institutions across the Commonwealth. Bells rang from the State Capitol to the Wilderness Road Regional Museum in Dublin and the Military Women's Memorial in Arlington, uniting Virginians in a powerful display of patriotism.
Once we returned outside, the public enjoyed a charming and family-friendly Square Fair, highlighting Virginia's unique history and culture through interactive booths and exhibitions from museums, cultural organizations and artists.
In the evening, the Grand Ceremony included speeches from notable figures such as Governor Glenn Youngkin, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, Speaker Don Scott, PBS NewsHour Co-Anchor Geoff Bennett, VA250 Chair Delegate Terry Austin, VA250 Vice Chair Senator Mamie Lock, Chickahominy Chief Stephen Adkins, and VA250 National Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina. Attendees enjoyed performances from all corners and historic cultures of Virginia, including the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums, the DAY Program, Quantico Marine Corps Band, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, New Fellowship Gospel Choir, and Virginia's Tribal Nations.
The evening concluded with a unique and breathtaking drone light show by Grucci, painting the night sky with dazzling colors and patterns, leaving everyone in awe. While traditional fireworks displays often cause anxiety to veterans, pets, and wildlife, these drones offered a quiet and environmentally friendly alternative.
The entire livestream of the celebration is available on the VA250 website, and I encourage you to check it out if you could not attend in person to experience the magic!
I hope to see you at a future VA250 event.