Hoecakes, Swimming in Butter

Photo by John Arundel

ALEXANDRIA, VA. - The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to join in their annual breakfast on the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade
 
Witness the first appearance of the day by George Washington and enjoy a hearty breakfast before the parade. This year’s keynote speaker is James C. Rees, the President and Chief Executive Officer of George Washington’s Mount Vernon since 1994.   

The breakfast event will be held on Monday, February 16, at 9 a.m., at Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites at 625 First Street in Alexandria. Tickets are $30 per person. Funds raised will benefit the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/html/fvfea_breakfast.html or by contacting Bill Kehoe at 703.751.6416.

At the three-course breakfast, the Friendship Veterans will also be recognizing the latest class of Living Legends of Alexandria, as well as presenting the Reverend Ben Lynt Distinguished Service Award to a surprise recipient.

Under Mr. Rees’ leadership, Mount Vernon completed a $116 million capital campaign, constructed new orientation and education centers, restored and reopened George Washington’s historic gristmill and distillery, and created a new exhibition area dedicated to George Washington, Pioneer Farmer.
 
The estate’s endowment has grown from $4 million to about $100 million. Before joining Mount Vernon in 1983, Mr. Rees worked on the nationwide properties program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and as public relations director for the College of William and Mary and the Virginia Shakespeare Festival.  He holds an undergraduate degree from William and Mary and a master’s from George Washington University.

While no longer an active firefighting organization, the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association continues as one of the oldest fire companies in the country. The Association promotes fire and life safety education programs, awards scholarships, and maintains firefighting artifacts at Friendship Firehouse Museum.
 
The firehouse, located at 107 South Alfred Street in Old Town Alexandria, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  It will also be open on Parade Day for free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, call 703.751.6416 or visit www.friendshipfirehouse.net.