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The July 4th Celebration is a community-focused, patriotic salute to our nation. Taking place on the grounds of historic Dodona Manor, George C. Marshall’s iconic estate, the July 4th Celebration provides a vivid example of the leadership that made our country great.
Following the Leesburg Downtown parade, join us for the historical reenactment of President Truman and his daughter Margaret’s visit to Dodona in July 4, 1950. On July 1, 1950, four government officials had visited Marshall to seek his advice about the Korean situation: Dean Acheson (Secretary of State), Averell Harriman (special assistant to President Truman), Charles Bohlen (special adviser to Acheson) and George Kennan (another special adviser in the State Department). The four concluded that Truman needed to hear Marshall’s ideas. Truman called Marshall on July 2 and asked him to come to Washington on July 5.
Truman couldn’t wait, however, and he awoke Marshall on July 4 with another phone call, giving Marshall an hour’s notice that he was coming to Leesburg that morning. In addition to hearing Marshall’s views about Korea, Truman wanted to assess if Marshall was willing to take the position of Secretary of Defense.
Marshall later told a friend of his predicament: “Most confidentially, I have been trembling on the edge of being called again into public service in this crisis, but I hope to get by unmolested, but when the President motors down and sits under our oaks and tells me of his difficulties, he has me at a disadvantage.”
Marshall later agreed to become Secretary of Defense, but on the condition that the appointment would be for no longer than one year. Marshall served in that capacity until 1951, and Truman never again called on him to serve his country.
Refreshments, including free ice cream, will be provided. Free parking is available at the Loudoun County Government Garage on Loudoun Street.
Who
All ages
Cost
FreeHow
Show up!
