Commemorative program at battlefield to open sesquicentennial

The four-day observance of the 150th anniversary of the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run begins with a commemorative ceremony at Manassas National Battlefield Park on July 21.

The event will take place on a stage on Henry Hill near the Visitor Center, beginning at 9:15 a.m.

Park Superintendent Edward W. Clark III said everything is ready for the opening event, urging the public to take advantage of the numerous programs planned for  opening day and after.

“Join us on our hallowed ground as we mark this momentous period of American history and remember the events that captured the attention of the world,” stated Clark in a park release.

The opening program, sponsored by the National  Park Service and the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, will feature speakers that include Gov. Bob McDonnell with local, state and federal officials.

The keynote address will be  by Edward L. Ayers, president of the University of Richmond and historian of the American South.

The event is open to the public and 5,000 people will be allowed in the roped off section with a ticket. Tickets are still available and can be picked up at the Visitor Center or by calling the main park numbers at 703-754-1861 or 703-361-1339.

The park will be open during the ceremony, and other visitors can observe the proceedings from a distance.

The call to order and welcome will be given by William J. Howell, speaker of the House of Delegates and chairman of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission.

The program also includes:

• Posting of Colors, 3rd United States Infantry, Continental Color Guard, Honor Guard Company.

• Pledge of Allegiance led by Mark Robinson and retired Col. Richard Robinson.

• National anthem, United States Marine Corps Band.

• Invocation, the Rev. Dennis Lipke, Sudley United Methodist Church.

• Remarks will be by state Sen. Charles J. Colgan, D-Manassas, president pro tempore of the Senate and vice-chairman of the Civil War Commission; Prince William Supervisor Corey A. Stewart; Jonathan B. Jarvis, director of the National Park Service;  and McDonnell.

• Ayers’ keynote address is “The Battle of Manassas: America’s Brief Civil War.”

• Demonstration by U.S. Army Drill Team with Comdr. Capt. Robert Baird and Drill Master Sgt. 1st. Class Jose Trevino.

At noon the Visitors Center and exhibition areas will open, including historic Stone House, the living history area, Henry House and the Youth Program Tent.

Also at noon, a commemorative  stamp dedication will take place on Henry Hill.

Other events on tap for the  day incude a musketry firing demonstration on the grounds of Henry House at Henry Hill at 1 and 3 p.m.; the guided tour “Changing Fortunes on Henry Hill” departs from the Visitors Center at 2 p.m.; and a second guided tour, “War and Remembrance--the Henry Farm--from Battlefield to Memorial,” departs from the Visitors Center at 4 p.m.

Living history events will continue throughout the weekend.

Among the highlights will be guided tours on July 22: “Standing Watch at Stone Bridge” at 10 a.m.; “Fading Hopes on Chinn Ridge” departs from the Visitors Center at 2 p.m. and the evening program, “Behind the Lines--War Passes Sudley Springs,” departs from Sudley United Methodist Church at 6 p.m.

Events on July 23 include the guided tour “Opening Clash at Matthews Hill, Matthews Hill (Tour Stop 4); The Robinson Farm--An African American Family Caught in the Crossfire,” departs from the  Visitor Center at 2 p.m.; evening lecture given by former NPS chief historian Edwin Bearss, Commemorative Stage Area, Henry Hill; and evening concert by the Quantico Marine Corps Band, Commemorative Stage Area at 7 p.m.

The events on July 24 include  a guided tour of “Behind the Lines--The Road to Portici,” which departs from the Visitors Center at 10 a.m.; lecture by historian Matthew Pinsker in the stage area at 2 p.m.; and the guided tour “Retreat and Pursuit--A Defeated Army Begins its Withdrawal,” which departs from the Visitors Center at 3:30 p.m.

Exhibition areas include a living history camp on the grounds of the Henry House; a three-dimensional photographic exhibit displaying historic images of the battlefield inside the Henry House; a medical aid station demonstration area on the grounds of the Stone House and a youth program tent offering exhibits and activities for younger visitors on the grounds of the Visitors Center.

In addition, the Civil War Commission will debut the Civil War 150 HistoryMobile near Henry Hill on the four days.

The HistoryMobile is an immersive exhibit that will present multiple viewpoints on the Civil War. It will travel throughout Virginia and the nation during the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.

The Vodcasts done by the 400 sixth-grade students from Stonewall Middle School will be exhibited throughout the commemoration at the Family and Youth tent area.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.