251st Anniversary of the Leedstown Resolutions

     A crowd of about 75 people filled the Council House at Stratford Hall today for a ceremony to celebrate the 251st Anniversary of the Leedstown Resolutions, co-hosted by the Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society and Stratford Hall.  SAR participation was organized by the James Monroe Chapter and the Virginia Society was represented by President Mike Elston.  Seven Virginia SAR Chapters participated in the program: Colonel Fielding Lewis, Colonel William Grayson, Culpeper Minutemen, George Washington, James Monroe, Richard Henry Lee, and Richmond.
     After welcomes from the co-hosts, the James Monroe Chapter Color Guard presented the colors for the Pledge of Allegiance.  Next, framed resolutions from the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates were presented and read.  The last reading was of the Leedstown Resolutions by Carlee Slater of Washington & Lee High School, herself a descendant of Richard Henry Lee.

The five members of the James Monroe Chapter Color Guard present the colors.

Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society Past President Steve Walker with the State Senate Resolution.

James Monroe Chapter President Charles Belfield reads the House of Delegates' Resolution.

Richard Henry Lee descendant Carlee Slater reads the Leedstown Resolutions.

     The program continued with a 21st Century Interpretation of the Leedstown Resolutions, with both a modern band, and participants participating in a spirited debate of the Resolutions.  The debate featured Charles Belfield, members of the Northern Neck of Virginia Historical Society, and High School Students.

Charles Belfield rises to support the resolutions.

A supporter of the King rises to object

High School students participating in the vigorous debate.

The Resolutions are passed, yet again.

The band responded with the Beatles' "Revolution".

Then the keynote speaker, Virginia SAR President Mike Elston put everything in perspective.

  Next wreaths were presented by SAR and DAR chapters and other organizations, orchestrated by Virginia SAR Graves Chairman Mike Lyman.

     After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a great lunch buffet in the Stratford Hall Dinning House.