Patriotic Heritage Booth

It is not often that you find members of various organizations coming together to enjoy one great event, but this is what happened on July 4, 2016. The TriCity Genealogical Society joined the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Sons of the American Revolution at the River of Fire festival. They hosted a combined booth titled Patriotic Heritage.

As citizens of the United States of America we enjoy an amazing amount of freedom and independence. This has not come easy. Many have paid the ultimate price, giving their life so that so many can continue to be guaranteed a continuation of such rights.

The Sons and the Daughters of the American Revolution are lineage societies. In order to qualify to be a member of these organizations an applicant’s genealogy is submitted and reviewed to prove that they are a descendant of a Revolutionary War patriot.

Art Kelly, Keith Deaton (as President Lincoln),
Glenn Allison, and Marjorie Casper

The festival officially began with the Opening Ceremonies. The Sons of the American Revolution presented their Color Guard which brought a deeper dimension to the singing of the National Anthem. TriCity Genealogical Society Program Chairperson, Art Kelly, joined Keith Deaton as President Abraham Lincoln along with his other escorts on stage while the audience was taken back to historical political speeches. The soul of patriotism was stirred with the presentation of the Gettysburg Address.

MidColumbia Chapter of the Sons of the
American Revolution Color Guard

At the River of Fire festival the Patriotic Heritage booth was nicely decorated with red, white, and blue. It was also adorned with many volunteers in historical costumes. Mannequins supported historical military uniforms. Banners with photographs of local fallen heroes bordered one side of the booth area, and the other side of the area was set aside for audience participation. Letters to active military personnel were written and deposited in a beautifully decorated mailbox. A coloring contest for the children allowed them to bring color to historical pictures. Celebrating our country’s independence was fun, festive, and active. Gentle chatting was also embraced as various society members enjoyed the day together.

The evening closed with a bang, literally. Most of the Patriotic Heritage Booth volunteers were home by the time the fireworks exploded however. They had enjoyed the day and felt that they had truly embraced so many aspects of an Independence Day celebration.

Thank you to TriCity Genealogical Society members who helped make this such an incredible day!! Art Kelly, Barry Moravek, Bill Floberg, Carol Powe, Gigi Bare, Ken Powe, Margaret Dunn, Margie Beldin, Marian Halverson, Sandra Floberg, Susan Faulkner, Susan Lohstreter, TJ Lannon, and Walt Wood.