FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Further information: Debbie Allender, The John & Annie Glenn Historic Site 740-826-3305.

The Village of New Concord plans July 4th activities to honor veterans, rededicate their War Memorial Park and commemorate the fifth anniversary of the John & Annie Glenn Historic Site

NEW CONCORD, OHIO – The John & Annie Glenn Historic Site, in conjunction with the Village of New Concord, is planning a July 4th holiday filled with both solemnity and celebration, to be attended by the site’s namesakes, former Senator and astronaut John Glenn and his wife, Annie.

The day’s events celebrate not only our nation’s birthday, but also the fifth anniversary of the Historic Site, which has hosted thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world, since it opened in 2002.

The day will begin at 3:00 p.m. with the Village of New Concord rededicating its War Memorial Park. The ceremony will begin with the performance of a patriotic medley by Robert Owen Jones and Carol-Wilcox Jones of Muskingum College. The invocation will be delivered by the Reverend Dr. William McClelland, and the colors will be presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1058 of Zanesville. The pledge of allegiance will be led by New Concord Boy Scout Troop 510.

In rededicating the park, a plaque will be unveiled by veterans representing World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and all veterans who have served since then.

Following the retirement of the colors, visitors will be invited to attach ribbons to the Harper Cabin fence, commemorating military service members. Then, all veterans in attendance will have an opportunity to have a group photo taken with Senator Glenn.

At 4:30, an “Old Fashioned Independence Day parade” will step off. Senator and Mrs. Glenn will watch the parade from the porch of the John & Annie Glenn Historic Site.

Those wishing to participate in the parade with their non-motorized transportation should gather in the parking lot of the Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Co-op. at 4:15. (Young children must be accompanied by an adult.) The parade will travel down Main Street, to New Concord Elementary School, where food, fun and entertainment will be available Immediately following the parade, all boy scouts and girl scouts in attendance are invited to have a group photo taken with Senator and Mrs. Glenn in front of the Historic Site.

The Historic Site will then open for walk-through tours of the main floor and the gift shop will also be open.

The scouts will form a tunnel as the Glenns walk to the Touchstone Energy hot air balloon, sponsored by Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative, Inc. to watch it lift off from their high school playground. Professional pilot Cherie White will be at the controls.

For further information on the day’s festivities, call the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site office at 740-826-3305.