Dear Editor,
It was a blessing to attend the Henderson and Chester County celebration of America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, June 27. Many will have vivid memories of this historic celebration of our freedom in America. The opening celebration with Ronnie Geary’s intense prayer of thanksgiving, Terry Bell and Blake Hopper’s compelling remarks and the outstanding local quartet’s singing of our beloved national anthem brought the audience to its feet with a standing ovation.
Thanks to Blake Hopper, who secured the grant financing the event, and to Jenny Priddy and Paul and Joyce Martin for implementing this memorable celebration of our country’s independence as a nation. Thanks also to Mayors Terry Bell and Barry Hutcherson, the Chamber of Commerce, Henderson City Council and Chester County Commissions for their dynamic leadership in throwing this extraordinary party.
You blessed our community with a distinguished panel of local citizens, including Sherrif Eric Bell, Mary Trice, Neal Smith, Clayton Skinner, and Brett Cox, who taught us about some of Chester County’s history. Bill Newman, Chester County’s oldest known living veteran, made a few comments and received a certificate presented by Mayor Hutcherson.
There were displays of farm tools and relics of daily life in earlier years in our community. Costumed representatives of various events, including the Civil War, World Wars I and World War II, gave brief introductions regarding military life, punctuated by several flyovers with a Blackhawk helicopter.
There are some talented people in our community who shared their talents to the delight of those in attendance! Friends and neighbors relaxing in lawn chairs and babies on blankets seemed to be having a good time with the music, talks, snow cones and special memories shared by local folks who love this country. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display.
Thank you to all who led, participated and enjoyed a wonderful 250th birthday celebration.
May God bless America!
Sincerely,
Milton and Laurel Sewell
