Independence Day at the Virginia State Capitol
A Celebration of Freedom and Our Nation’s Founding
July 4, 2024
Photo Credit: Kathy Taylor Scott Photography, LLC
Inspired by John Adams’ vision, VA250 brought the majestic grounds of the State Capitol to life as a vibrant hub of activity that showcased Virginians from all walks of life. The night began with a stirring statewide bell ringing ceremony featuring selections from iconic landmarks and institutions from across the Commonwealth, ringing the bells 13 times to represent the original 13 colonies in a powerful display of patriotism.
Then, the afternoon unfolded with a lively Square Fair that highlighted Virginia’s unique history and culture. Interactive booths and exhibitions from museums, cultural organizations, and artists brought the spirit of freedom to life.
The night ended with a Grand Ceremony the featured a lineup of distinguished speakers whose inspiring words resonated with the audience, reminding us of the core values of freedom. This ceremony was further enriched by captivating performances and ended with a mesmerizing drone light show right above the Virginia State Capitol Building.
Relive the Grand Ceremony!
Speakers:
- Master of Ceremonies: Geoff Bennett, PBS News Hour Co-Anchor
- Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin and First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin
- Speaker Don Scott, Virginia House of Delegates
- Carly Fiorina, VA250 National Honorary Chair
- Delegate Terry Austin, VA250 Commission Chair
- Senator Mamie Locke, VA250 Commission Vice Chair
- Chief Stephen Adkins, Chickahominy Indian Tribe
Performers:
- Thomas Jefferson as portrayed by Kurt Smith of Colonial Williamsburg
- Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums
- The DAY Program
- Quantico Marine Band
- Roanoke Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
- New Fellowship Gospel Choir
- Virginia’s Tribal Nations
- Drone light show by Grucci
News Coverage
![Fourth of July in Capitol Square](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/PaulKrizek.jpg)
Fourth of July in Capitol Square by Delegate Paul Krizek
July 11, 2024
The Connection
Letter – Resounding success
July 10, 2024
Source: The Smithfield Times
![Letting freedom ring](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SmithfieldTimesLetFreedomRing.png)
Letting freedom ring
July 9, 2024
The Smithfield Times
![Drone show caps Independence Day at Virginia's State Capitol celebration](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IndependenceDayWTVR.png)
Drone show caps Independence Day at Virginia’s State Capitol celebration
July 7, 2024
CBS 6 News Richmond
![America 250: How Maryland, Virginia and D.C. will mark the milestone](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mount-vernon_900x506x2000-1125-0-104.jpg)
America 250: How Maryland, Virginia and D.C. will mark the milestone
July 4, 2024
Washington Business Journal
![What to know about Thursday's Independence Day event at the Virginia State Capitol](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/getty-virginia-capitol-slide.jpg)
What to know about Thursday’s Independence Day event at the Virginia State Capitol
July 4, 2024
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Celebrate Independence Day at the Virginia State Capitol
July 3, 2024
ABC 8 News
![VA250 Fourth of July Celebration returns to State Capitol](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12OnYourSide.png)
VA250 Fourth of July Celebration returns to State Capitol
July 3, 2024
12 On Your Side
![Top five weekend events: Fireworks, Music at Maymont & Maggie Walker Celebration](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/getty-virginia-capitol-slide.jpg)
Top five weekend events: Fireworks, Music at Maymont & Maggie Walker Celebration
July 3, 2024
Richmond Times-Dispatch
![VA250 LEADS STATEWIDE BELL-RINGING CEREMONY FOR FOURTH OF JULY](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Virginia-Capitol-Bell-Tower-1711x1024-1.jpg)
VA250 Leads Statewide Bell-Ringing Ceremony for Fourth of July
July 3, 2024
Shore Daily News
![Arlington bell-ringing to celebrate nation's birthday](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/independence-day.png)
Arlington bell-ringing to celebrate nation’s birthday
July 2, 2024
Gazette Leader
Botetourt County committee churches to join bell ringing on July 4th
July 2, 2024
The Roanoke Times
![The Bell Tolls at Five: Fourth of July Kicks-Off Two Years of VA250 Celebrations](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Virginia-Capitol-Bell-Tower-1711x1024-1.jpg)
The Bell Tolls at Five: Fourth of July Kicks-Off Two Years of VA250 Celebrations
July 1, 2024
The Phil VA
![Virginians invited to take part in statewide bell-ringing on July 4; more](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/48c8e595-a018-45a6-b564-09322f1c4f9d.jpg)
Virginians invited to take part in statewide bell-ringing on July 4; more
June 28, 2024
Cardinal News
Ring in the Fourth of July at the Virginia State Capitol Bell Tower
June 27, 2024
ABC 8 News
![Tourism in Culpeper!](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/CherylFox5DC.jpg)
Tourism in Culpeper!
June 25, 2024
FOX 5 Richmond
More details released for Virginia State Capitol July 4 celebration
June 21, 2024
ABC 8 News
![Connect RVA: VA250 4th of July Celebration!](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FOXRichmond.png)
Connect RVA: VA250 4th of July Celebration!
June 21, 2024
FOX Richmond
![Virginia Capitol will host a Fourth of July celebration](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Capitol_GettyImages.png)
Virginia Capitol will host a Fourth of July celebration
June 21, 2024
Axios Richmond
VA250 Independence Day celebration at the Virginia State Capitol
May 19, 2024
Cape Charles Mirror
![Independence Day celebration taking place at Virginia State Capitol](https://va250.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IndependenceDayCapitolWRIC.png)
Independence Day celebration taking place at Virginia State Capitol
April 25, 2024
Cardinal News
Program
Bell Ringing Ceremony
Special thanks to the following for participating in the bell ringing ceremony:
Virginia State Capitol
Arlington Historical Society
Bluemont Civic Association
Colonial Seaport Foundation
Historic Belle-Hampton Farm
Isle of Wight Courthouse
James Monroe’s Highland
Kingston Episcopal Parish
Military Women’s Memorial
Wilderness Road Regional Museum
William & Mary
What People Are Saying