US flag flies for Independence
American Independence Day was marked at Washington Old Hall at the weekend – but the usual celebrations had to be scaled back in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Sunderland’s Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors David and Dianne Snowdon, joined council leader Graeme Miller, representatives from Washington Old Hall and the Friends of Washington Old Hall for a restricted celebration.
The venue remains closed to visitors as part of the National Trust’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
This year marks the charity’s 125th anniversary, and there are hopes for a reopening ceremony and celebration when it is safe to do so.
American Independence Day is annually celebrated at Washington Old Hall to commemorate the ancestral home of the first President, George Washington.
In previous years, the city’s Mayor has welcomed visitors from the USA to the celebrations. But this year’s ceremony was a much smaller affair.
The American flag was raised at the building and there was a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Erland Polden, the Chairman of the Friends of Washington Old Hall, also read an extract from The Dream: A Nation of All People by Martin Luther King.
Coun David Snowdon said: “Every year our Fourth of July celebrations highlight Sunderland’ s close economic and cultural ties with America.
“While it has been unfortunate that we can’t celebrate with the public and our American friends as we usually do, we recognise the importance of social distancing and wanted to do our best to up hold tradition.
“We are happy to join the National Trust on this occasion, as it’s a great opportunity to celebrate friendship, international engagement, and explore universal themes of liberty and equality.”
Mick Wilkes, General Manager of Washington Old Hall, added: “We’re delighted to be hosting an event rooted in local tradition and is important to, and well supported by, our local community.
“As we mark our 125th anniversary, the National Trust’s aim as a conservation charity to provide nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever feels more relevant than ever. This Fourth of July event celebrates our shared histories but also the role we play in connecting people not only right here in Sunderland but much further afield.”