Imagine the smell of black powder, the crack and boom of musket fire . . . the sound of horses’ hooves and wagon wheels in the distance. The Second Regiment Light Dragoons, sabers at the ready, begin their long march into battle as part of General George Washington’s Continental Army in the War for Independence. Glimpse Betsy Ross as she stitches the very first American flag. And, listen to the fife and timeless rhythm of marching drums, and find yourself in Gettysburg, awaiting the famous address of President Abraham Lincoln as another chapter of freedom takes root on American soil. Mingle with historic figures, such as Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt; and imagine what it was like to live through their times and become a part of the fabric of America’s history. Mount Washington Resort is pleased to announce a special package, “A Salute to Freedom,” offered the weekend of Friday through Sunday, July 3-5, 2009. This special weekend will be a tribute to American soldiers from every American war, for over 200 years. The celebration includes demonstrations by the Second Regiment Light Dragoons and the United Train of Artillery, which was activated in 1774 and also served in the War of 1812 and American Civil War. There will be appearances of major historical figures in full costume --- you can pose with the former Presidents in a Mt. Rushmore photo opp --- plus storytelling, musical performances, period dance lessons, lectures, dining and a great mix of fun family activities, including a water balloon battle dubbed “The Battle of Wettysburg” --- a light-hearted invitation for guests to bring along their sense of humor, too. There will even be opportunities for the sampling of fine beverages, including the unveiling of Mount Washington Resort’s new signature organic ale. Saturday night, July 4th, will culminate in the “American Celebration Dance” featuring the Hal McIntyre Orchestra, a 1941 spin-off from Glenn Miller’s Orchestra that became a favorite band of American soldiers overseas and has been reborn to continue the dance sounds of the bygone era.
The “Salute to Freedom” package starts at $239 per person, per night for adults based on double occupancy and includes dinner, breakfast and lunch daily, including an American BBQ lunch on Saturday afternoon. This package includes the full slate of “Salute to Freedom” events, activities and entertainment planned for the weekend. The weekend of events and entertainment is exclusive to Mount Washington Resort guests on the “Salute to Freedom” package, and package guests also will have the chance to win a complimentary bi-plane ride for two on the afternoon of Saturday, July 4th, 2009. Current and retired U.S. Military personnel with a valid Military identification card receive a 10% discount on the “Salute to Freedom” package.
A full listing of “Salute to Freedom” activities and events can be found on the calendar listing at www.MountWashingtonResort.com. Reservations can be made by visiting www.MountWashingtonResort.com or calling 877.873.0626.