Liberty Encounters

As participants in last year’s event, we appreciate Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley and their fine article promoting this year’s upcoming 250 year celebration of Delaware’s Independence at Separation Day in the City of New Castle Delaware!

What a joyous occasion to celebrate America 250 one month before Independence Day! The Planning Committee at Cokesbury Village - Acts Retirement desired to remember Delaware Patriots and to set the stage for fireworks on the 4th of July. Aaron Bradford portrayed Delaware Signer Caesar Rodney while taking care to cover his left cheek and nose with a green silk scarf, due to his battle with facial cancer. He relived Rodney's service to Delaware and 80-mile Midnight Ride o'er 15 creeks and rivers to break the deadlock between Delaware delegates at the State Hall in Philadelphia to vote for independence! Rodney's ride galvanized other Colonial Delegations, especially swaying the position of South Carolina.

In addition to reading excerpts of the Declaration of Independence, a younger generation of Patriots portrayed Delaware Continentals, Delaware Militia (of which Rodney was a Colonel along with John Haslet in the summer of 1776), young lads training, and a timeline of four ladies who dressed and remembered the Ladies of New Sweden, Delaware in 1777 after the adoption of a 13 star, 13 stripe United States Flag, the 15 star and 15 stripe Star Spangled Banner, and a 33 star U.S. Flag while portraying 1861. Guests were also regaled with Colonial Era games, a demonstration of drill, and the Virginia Reel, followed by an Ice Cream Social! We are so grateful for the gracious hospitality and vision of Cokesbury Village!

Should you know of any retirement communities who would enjoy such a celebration, please let us know at [email protected]. "Liberty and Independence!"