A state park honoring confederate leader Jefferson Davis will play host to its first Independence Day celebration this weekend. The “Friends of Jefferson Davis Historic Site” suggested the Fairview park host the event. The decision comes despite national controversy over the confederate flag and its heritage. Parks Manager Rod Syndor denies any controversy at his park and said the celebration will be focused on U.S. independence.
“We want to do a salute to the 13 original colonies, so we will read a piece about the stars and stripes and the symbolism of the colors of the flag and we will have a lady here portraying Betsy Ross and she will do a program” Sydnor said.
According to Sydnor the site will not be selling Confederate flags. He says the park sees about 35-thousand visitors per year and he hopes to make this celebration an annual event. Spectators are invited to bring a lunch to the park and enjoy a picnic, admission is free.
Program Schedule:
10 to 11 a.m. — Tribute to the original 13 colonies with flags of the colonies on display. The original Stars and Stripes will be present, and Betsy Ross will be on hand. Audience members will be invited to sing “America the Beautiful.”
11:10 am. to 1:10 p.m. — Reading of the Declaration of Independence, and following the singing of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” participants will be invited to sign a full-size copy of the document.
2:20 to 3:20 p.m. — Salute to the nation, with a procession of soldiers past and present and the singing of the national anthem.
9 p.m. — Western Kentucky Fireworks show begins. Attendees will be allowed to go up into the monument to view the display from a unique perspective.
