[bells clanging] [bells clanging] good morning. I am kirk cox, speaker of the Virginia House of delegates. Im delighted to welcome everyone here at jamestown settlement in the recreated church in james fort. And those viewing these proceedings online or watching from beyond to the 400 that anniversary today. Of the first and oldest continuous representative legislation body in the western hemisphere. As our forefathers did on this very day 400 years ago assembled here at the birthplace of american democracy, jamestown. Freedom in the form of Representative Democracy began here in virginia. The unforgettable and inspiring event that happened here, what began here, has changed not only virginia, and not only america, but much of the entire world. Special occasions and commemorations like this offer us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the history of 1619. As a retired schoolteacher, i taught government for 30 years. I know the year 1619 was pivotal. As well as complicated. Events th
[indistinct shouting] [bells clanging] good morning. Good morning. I am kirk cox, speaker of the Virginia House of delegates. Im delighted to welcome everyone here at jamestown settlement in the recreated church in james fort. And, those viewing these proceedings online or watching from beyond to the 400 anniversary today of the first and oldest continuous representative legislation body in the western hemisphere. As our forefathers did on this very day 400 years ago, we assemble here at the birthplace of american democracy, jamestown. Freedom in the form of Representative Democracy began here in virginia. The unforgettable and inspiring event that happened here, what began here, has changed not only virginia, and not only america, but much of the entire world. Special occasions and commemorations like this offer us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the history of 1619. As a retired schoolteacher, i taught government for 30 years. I know the year 1619 was pivotal, as well as compl
[bells ringing] [marching commands] clang] good morning. Kirk cox, speaker of the Virginia House of delegates. Im delighted to welcome everyone here at jamestown settlement in the recredit church in james forte. And those viewing these proceedings online or watching from beyond to the 400 that today. Of the first and oldest continuous representative legislation body in the western hemisphere. Dayforefathers on this very at years ago assembled here the birthplace of american democracy, jamestown. Freedom in the form of Representative Democracy began here in virginia. The unforgettable and inspiring event that happened here, what began here, has changed not only virginia, and not only america, but much of the entire world. Special occasions and commemorations like this offer us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the history of 6019. As a retired schoolteacher, i taught government for 30 years. I know the year 1619 was pivotal. As well as complicated. Events that year profoundly shape
Will now rise, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance, the national anthem. Governor, grace is your name and all the world. Grace is your presence in this land. You were here when native people first lived, loved, and governed themselves. You were here when the first englishmen emigrated and when they held their First Legislative Assembly 400 years ago. You were here when the first english women chose to come and join the men and dabblers communities and when the first African People were brought here in harrowing circumstances against their will you were with our ancestors men and women of diverse races and cultures through trial adversity , hope, and fear. In the same way that you are with your people then. Be with us now while we remember the relationship and legacy that has shaped us as americans today. Give us the courage to do the hard work of real reconciliation, and bless our continued effort for justice, freedom, and peace for everyone in this land, everyone witho
[ bells tolling ] good morning. I am kirk cox, speaker of the Virginia House of delegates. Im absolutely delighted to welcome everyone here at jamestown settlement in the recreated church in james fort and those viewing these proceedings online or watching from beyond for the 400th anniversary today. Of the first and oldest continuous Representative Legislature body in the western hemisphere is our forefathers did on this very day 400 years ago, we assembled right here at the birthplace of american democracy, jamestown. Freedom in the form of Representative Democracy began here in virginia. The unforgettable and inspiring event that happened here, what began here has changed not only virginia and not only america, but much of the entire world. Special occasions, the commemorations like this offer us an opportunity to pause and reflect on history of 1619. As a retired schoolteacher, i taught government for almost 30 years. I know the year 1619 was pivotal, as well as complicated. That y