America 250 Celebration
For the past three years an America 250 Joint Committee comprised of members from the Puc Puggy Chapter NSDAR, John Bartram Chapter NSDAR, Tri-County Women Veterans and SAR Villages Chapter have been planning this remarkable celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. To kick off the event, there was a Gala held on Friday, July 3. Our hosts for the evening were none other than George and Martha Washington.
Sold Out Attendance
Every table was full at the Gala. Guests wore their finest evening attire or Colonial costumes. Colonial dinner fare included a garden salad, roasted chicken with herb butter, glazed ham with clove and brown sugar, red potatoes with parsley and butter, maize, peas and onions, and Colonial peach cobler for dessert.
Gala Program
Entertainment for the evening included English country dancing, patriotic songs by vocalist Pinky in Colonial costume, baskets awarded to sponsors and reenactors, a costume contest for Best Dressed Woman and Man in the audience, and a reenactment of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams together composing and signing the Declaration of Independence.
Puc Puggy in Colonial Finery
At the conclusion of the Gala, the ladies in the Puc Puggy Chapter gathered in the lobby for a photo in memory of a good time shared!
July 4th America 250 Celebration
A full day of activities transpired at the Savannah Recreation Center starting off at noon in the main theater with a Patriotic Ceremony followed by a parade of Revolutionary Patriots, Joint Committee Members, America's Military and Civic Legacy representing all wars, First Responders, and lastly the Villages Prime Time Twirlers made a grand finale! Throughout the day the Savannah Center was decked out from top to bottom with flags, banners, pictures and historical posters for all to enjoy.
Exhibit Hall
After the parade a Patriotic video repeated in the theater throughout the afternoon giving attendees the opportunity to learn about the Revolution and rest their tired feet. Meanwhile in the Exhibit Hall individual reenactors took to the stage to explain their roles during the Revolution. Around the hall were numerouse stations so patrons could read about the important characters at this time in our history. Next door was a Childrens' Room which included a puppet show and display of historic toys and books about the Revolution.
Reading the Declaration
To finish the afternoon in the Exhibit Hall all the reenactors gathered on stage to take turns reading the Declaration of Independence line by line. All guests in the room were silent, taking in every word.
Links
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Florida Society Daughters of the American Revolution
National Society Sons of the American Revolution
Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution
National Society Children of the American Revolution
Florida Society Children of the American Revolution