Here was the view today as we dedicated and unveiled the Fighting for Freedom marker in Leesburg:
My rough count – over 200 people in attendance. A number that is higher than almost every sesquicentennial event we’ve had in Loudoun County. The only one I can recall with a larger attendance was the Balls Bluff reenactment.
This was significant in many ways. We opened new public interpretation that highlights the service of African-Americans in the Civil War. Before today, the only indications of that service were the veteran’s tombstones. Now there is a marker pointing those out for visitors and residents alike. That marker will serve the community as a focal point for discussing the African American experience during the Civil War… and I would add, this will be the first of more planned along that line.
When we look back at the sesquicentennial to assess the greater success or failure, I hope those making those judgments take into consideration events as we held today. Is this not a good mark?
Well done my friend !!
Excellent!
I wish I could have attended. Very glad to hear that there was good attendance.