Independence Day in Culpeper

The Color Guard fires a sequential 5 musket volley.

     Independence Day festivities in Culpeper commenced at noon with a program by the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter that began with the Chapter Color Guard marching up Davis Street from the Train Depot to the sound a fife and drum to the Courthouse Lawn.  There Culpeper Mayor Michael Olinger, County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Frazier, and General Assembly Delegate Nick Freitas spoke to the significance of the day.  Then, Ben Franklin (wonderfully portrayed by Barry Stevens), fresh from Philadelphia, explained the deliberations that led to the Declaration of Independence.  Jim Bayne then read the Declaration of Independence and invited those gathered to add their names to those who had signed the document in Philadelphia.  Charles Jameson was the Master of Ceremonies.  The program concluded with music by the Blue Ridge Chorale and a sequential volley by 5 muskets.

The Color Guard with Ben Franklin (Barry Stevens), left to right behind Dr. Franklin: Bill Schwetke, Lance Lyngar, Craig Truskey, Charles Jameson, Lon Lacey, Don Jennings, and Michael Dennis.

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     Later the Culpeper Minutemen climbed aboard a decorated trailer, towed behind Jim Bayne's truck, and led the parade down Main Street in Culpeper, followed by the DAR handing out 500 small flags to the crowd, and the C.A.R in a decorated van..  The Culpeper Minutemen were joined by Col William Grayson President Mike Taimi for the parade.

Preparing for the Parade.

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Leading the Parade.

photo by Karen Taimi

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UPDATE - Culpeper Minutemen Trailer Wins Best in Category Trophy!

Jim Bayne with the trophy