Fathers, Fore Fathers and Freedom

We spent a wonderful Father's day doing whatever Chip wanted to do...he opted for a day jam-packed with U.S history.

We rented a car (we were anchored in Hampton, about a 30 minute ride) and first drove to the Visitor's Center in Colonial Williamsburg; got the lay of the land...it really helps you to know ahead of time what is available to see in this very "theme park-like" setting. We had lunch in a replica tavern called King's Arm and enjoyed chicken pottage pyes and old dominiam lager, served by a costumed interpreter. We knelt in the church once attended by George Washington, the pew he donated to the parrish is inscribed with his name. Colonial Williamsburg is situated on over 300 acres, many of the homes, halls, businesses and churches are original....and all set up to reflect a town of living history. A time before and during the American Revolution when the English thought America's Declaration of Independence was a sham-Everyone who works there is an "actor"... the actors interact with the crowds and really give you a sense of that time. There are "plays" going on in the streets as actors draw you into their dialogue, you feel their thoughts, attitudes and values. It was very moving.

From Williamsburg we drove along The Colonial Trail ( a beautiful ride)to Jamestown (they are celebrating their 400 year anniversary this year and THE Queen was recently here). We then drove to Yorktown and walked on the site of the Battle of Yorktown, well marked with a beautiful monument to freedom, The Yorktown Victory Monument at Liberty Square. This was the highlight of the day for us. Overlooking the James River, with the battery behind us we could simply close our eyes and imagine that moment when England finally surrendered...The home of Augustine Moore still stands where officers from both sides met to negotiate the terms of the surrender.

Who can know all the dreams our fathers have for us...and their fathers and the fathers before them...one thing however is certain...we were there, on that spot, standing on a battlement, looking out over the James River...experiencing a rich moment thanks to the sacrifice our fore fathers made for the sake of freedom.