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Health & Fitness

Celebrate Independence Day!

Celebrate Independence Day locally where American history began.

Where could be a better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than right here where our nation’s history began?  The greater Mount Vernon area is a great place to continue the pursuit of happiness.

For a truly patriotic experience on the Fourth of July George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the place to be. George Washington loved the idea of a free United States. He gave his life to establish this country and it is all at Mount Vernon.  As an added plus, the theatres and galleries are nice and cool. 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the home of the father of our country, will be open Wednesday with special activities to celebrate Independence Day. General and Mrs. Washington will greet visitors all day and at 9:30 a.m., re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment assemble for inspection by “General Washington” and the Declaration of Independence will be read. At 10 a.m., there will be a special Independence Day wreath laying at the tomb of George Washington.

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From 10 a.m. to noon, 18th-century chocolate ice cream making demonstrations will take place in the greenhouse. At 11 a.m., a special naturalization ceremony for America's 100 newest citizens will be held near the Mansion.

Then at noon the National Concert Bank of America will perform patriotic music on the Bowling Green followed at 12:45 p.m. by a unique daytime fireworks display over the Potomac River. At 1 p.m., the "Happy Birthday, America!"  birthday cake will be served on the Bowling Green, then more Revolutionary Way military music and drills.

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Gunston Hall, the home of Virginia Patriot George Mason, will also be opened on Independence Day from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Converse with Colonel Mason and learn about his role in establishing independence for our nation. Active military personnel and veterans receive free admission on Independence Day at Gunston Hall.

As part of your celebration, find a local restaurant in the chamber online business directory to eat in, or use their catering services. 

There are no more fireworks at Lee District but Fort Belvior will host its Freedom Fest 2012, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., at Fort Belvoir Fremont Field, right across from the Pence Gate. Lionel Ward and the New World Bank (Elvis tribute artist) will entertain from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks will follow the concert.

On a personal note, Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. We have fun all day long going from one activity to another. At some point during the day we read the Declaration of Independence and remember those brave people who had the vision of a free country where people could govern themselves. I’m proud to be an American.  

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