Celebrating Our Independence

Even the rainy weather couldn't put a damper on the 4th of July celebrations down at George Washington's lovely Mount Vernon estate last week.  We don't have any photos of our own to share because our reenactors were busy reenacting and their phones stayed hidden in their haversacks, so we are sharing, with permission, a few of the beautiful photos taken by fellow First Virginian, Troy Corbett, to give you the flavor of the day.

Photo by Troy Corbett

The esteemed General once again hosted the festivities.

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

Benjamin Franklin was given the honor of reading the Declaration of Independence.

Photo by Troy Corbett

The First Virginia Regiment of the Continental Line was there to help add excitement.

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

They conducted military drills . . .

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

and firing demonstrations . . .

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

and even posted guards to stand watch at the front of the mansion.

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

General Washington also took advantage of the opportunity to inspect his troops, making sure to point out those who were in violation of the facial hair regulations (including our oldest son, much to his chagrin, though he wasn't the most flagrant violator that day).

Photo by Troy Corbett

It was a day filled with good cheer and an appropriate amount of reverence for the sacrifices of our forefathers that resulted in the founding of an independent nation based upon ideals of basic rights and freedoms that we still enjoy today.

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

Photo by Troy Corbett

For those of you who want to see more photos from the event, including photos of the daytime fireworks and the naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens, here's a link to an album posted by Ninja Pix (Buddy Secor) on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Ninja-Pix-542902639063759/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1209783369042346

Or if you prefer live action video, here's a link to news story that aired on our local NBC station:
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Celebrating-Independence-Day-at-Mount-Vernon_Washington-DC-385577511.html