March 26 2013...it was amazing that it managed to be kept a relative secret for 2-3 days. Due to security arrangements and such, the few that knew couldn't say anything until it had been published in the paper. Some received emails from the White House to attend the event (tres cool).
This was the view out the window of Vino Veranda the day before (I did zoom just a bit):
The Sheriff's House all dressed up to receive. Purchased by the National Park System and designated a historical monument. This makes the land it sits on basically a "National Park" which also includes the New Castle Court House Museum, The Arsenal, and the Academy Building. Unofficially included is Immanuel Church on the Green.
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We lined up an hour before time. It was an unexpectedly cold day. The line queued up behind us and trailed down Delaware St.
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When the snipers exited from behind the Court House building, they were not subtle. No, not in any way. They climbed up to the roof of the Court House and there they observed.
New Castle County Police Department on display. The horses waited almost an hour. Quite well behaved.
Members of the City Council and community waiting...everyone was smiling and happy! Anticipation was in the air!!!
Congressman Castle and Mrs. Castle being met by a Secret Service Agent as they walked up past the Arsenal into the secured area. As he approached, the waiting audience stood and applauded.
Friends Jim and Barbara...smiles and anticipation!
The Arsenal...a topic for another post, but this day it provided a splendid and beautiful backdrop for this event as did the steeple of Immanuel Church on the Green.
Don Reese, Mayor of the City of New Castle, who spoke about the National Park and Monument designation and then introduced...
Congressman Tom Carper. He was instrumental in getting this designation pushed through. He introduced...
Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior, who has since retired. This designation was a priority to him. The designation is signed by the President of the United States. And in turn, he introduced....
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden"; who is a hometown boy despite being born in Pennsylvania...lol.
Working the rope line...
It is hoped that with this designation, a formal national park appointment will come in time. Funding is the issue...isn't it always? The growth and sustainability of our town is dependent on visitors, local and afar. The more amenities we have to attract them, the more businesses that will consider filling our empty storefronts.
