“In days gone by Alexandria people were very elaborate in their preparations for the celebration of the 22nd of February, as this city was the place where George Washington spent many a pleasant hour…” - Washington Post Bureau, 621 King Street, Alexandria, February 21, 1897
“Martha, I’m going to Alexandria.”
If our first First Lady heard that once from her husband, she heard it a hundred times. Hard to say just how many times George came to town, but Robert L. Madison’s book, “Walking with Washington” sports dozens of sites in the seaport city where our First President dined, danced, spoke, worshipped and conducted business.
The love affair between city and man continued today with the annual George Washington Parade in Old Town Alexandria (Happy 280th Mr. President!). The largest such event (3,500 participants) in the country began at 1 p.m. and marched a one-mile route through the historic district.
Unlike two years ago when inclement weather forced a rare cancellation, participants and parade watchers enjoyed mostly sunny skies. The route passed by historic places such as Market Square/City Hall where Washington reviewed troops, voted and helped push through the "Fairfax Resolves."
This year I decided to take in the early aspects of the parade, including the "Armed Forces Community Covenant Ceremony
." This was a chance to say thanks to the active duty troops and veterans, and strengthen the bonds between the community and Fort Belvoir and Quantico Marine Base.
Informational displays from area merchants and organizations ringed the water-filled square. I talked with a representative with the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation about the current projects along the Route 1 corridor. Places like Arlington have shown that suburban routes can re-develop with a "Smart Growth" way. High-density and mixed use nodes are needed along Richmond Highway as the future hangs in the balance.
Two reps with the firm handling the I-495 Express Lanes said the project is on target for a December 2012 opening. Some smaller interchange work will be done in 2013.
There will be 10 access points. Travel will be free for vehicles with three or more passengers, as well as for buses, motorcycles and emergency services.
Didn’t get to stick around for the parade, but with the good weather, I’m sure the turn out was great. Alexandrians love their George Washington Parade.
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