The what? Semiquincentennial is a fancy word for 250, and it’s an early alert to get ready for our nation’s 250th birthday anniversary in 2026. Bicentennial was a much easier word for those of us old enough to remember the nationwide celebration in 1976.
Already, the nation, the state and localities are starting to plan. Mathews County has a 250th committee. Gloucester County is about to organize. The state has a committee in place, and Cheryl Wilson of Gloucester is its executive director.
Both counties are on approximately the same track that they followed for the local Bicentennial celebrations they organized in 1976. That was a glorious observance, capped off five years later by the Bicentennial of the British surrender at Yorktown that secured our freedom.
Exciting days lie ahead.
Expect to see the local committees work to draw in all segments of our communities. Expect to see them reach out to every corner. And certainly, expect them to emphasize the very important events in the ...