Colonial Williamsburg - July 28, 2006

Today, I have spent a wonderful day in Colonial Williamsburg with my family. Of course, it was the hottest day of the year so far (upper 90's and high humidity - hot in Williamsburg). Had lunch at the King's Arms Tavern. Recommend the meringue shell - has homemade ice cream, meringue shell, and fresh strawberries. There is a new program in the historic area. The Revolutionary Patriots along with the British governor, et al, enact some of the events on the Duke of Gloucester Street. (glaw-ster) At the moment, I'm planning a few "blog" entries regarding the Founding Fathers and their courage. I learned today for the first time that the Declaration of Independence had been hidden on the back of a picture. Had the original been found by the British, all of the signers would have been hanged as traitors. Where are those brave partiots today? In the terroritories of Iraq and on the southern and northern borders of our great nation. The volunteers in both our military forces and our Minutemen as well as our brave Border Patrol agents can stand tall. They come by their bravery naturally. America is an idea. It is not found on paper, nor only in our flag. The idea is found in our hearts and souls. I met a man today with his young son in Bruton Parish Church. Brimming with the enthusiasm of wide-eyed youth, the son came to his father and said, "Daddy, I just sat in the pew where George Washington sat." His mother scoffed and said, "No, you didn't. It's all phony." Well, the father set her straight. Bruton Parish Church is the original building. Thomas Jefferson's pew (box) was right across from General Washington's. My family and I scrunched into Mr. Jefferson's pew to sit for a few moments in the cool church. Moments later the father and I were talking about geneology. His family is descended from William Byrd III. I did not know of William Byrd III but later that evening while reading of the Ghosts of Williamsburg who did I find but William Byrd III. We continued on, my family and I, taking pictures and enjoying the relatively low tourist volume. Colonial Williamsburg is a place to visit and a place to cherish. The re-enactment in the street infront of the historic buildings, the ladies in long dresses and bonnets, the men in three-cornered hats will fill you heart with joy and hope. The serious nature of their choices, the volatility of their politics, the genius of their creation - stirring times. Reminds me that the more things change the more they remain the same. Til next time, God bless you and God bless America.