For Immediate Release
June 9, 2005
DIGITAL IMAGES AVAILABLE 

Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703)799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Historic Mount Vernon, the home of our first commander-in-chief who led American troops to victory in the country’s fight for independence, will celebrate George Washington’s contribution to America’s freedom on July 4th with its annual Red, White & Blue Celebration. The day will feature musical performances, a special wreathlaying ceremony, free birthday cake for all (while supplies last), and a visit by ‘General Washington’ himself. All events are included in regular Estate admission.

Visitors are encouraged to join the George Washington Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) in a procession to George Washington’s Tomb, led by the Fifes and Drums of Prince William III and the First Virginia Regiment. A member of SAR will place a memorial wreath on Washington’s tomb and lead visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance. This marks the 43rd anniversary of the chapter’s participation in the Independence Day Celebration at Mount Vernon.

Visitors can enjoy Mount Vernon’s all-American birthday cake (while supplies last) on the Estate’s Bowling Green and, at 11:00 a.m., the annual Red, White and Blue Concert. The patriotic musical performance will feature the Concert Band of America, an 80- member company of retired musicians from each of the United States Armed Services bands, playing patriotic favorites and American standards. This concert marks the band’s 12th year at Mount Vernon’s Independence Day Celebration.

At noon, re-enactors from the First Virginia Regiment, the First Maryland Regiment, and the Second New Jersey Regiment will assemble for inspection and demonstrations on the Bowling Green, a reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington, and a cannon volley.

July has always been a time of celebration at George Washington’s farm as it marks the beginning of the wheat harvest season. To celebrate Washington the farmer, field hands will kick-off the season on Independence Day with wheat-treading demonstrations at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. Costumed staff will lead Mount Vernon’s horses as they tread wheat in the 16-sided barn at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Visitors can witness Washington’s innovative treading process, learning first-hand how Washington separated grain from straw.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.

Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, open to the public since 1860, communicates the character and leadership of Washington to millions of Americans each year through a variety of interpretive programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation. Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, founded in 1853, making it America’s oldest national preservation organization. Mount Vernon is located at the southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just 16 miles from Washington, D.C. Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular Estate admission rates: adults, $11.00; senior citizens, $10.50; and children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $5. George Washington’s Gristmill admission rates, in addition to Estate admission: $4 for adults and $2 for children (6-11). Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.