fourth-slide-fireworksSaying our community is rich in history is an understatement. Our home along the north side of the Columbia River has been a hub of activity for thousands of years. A natural avenue of trade and transportation, the river sustained Native Americans, attracted Euro-American explorers, and brought fur traders, soldiers, settlers, builders of ships and airplanes – and now us – to these shores.

The port has been a part of this history for more than 100 years and is pleased to support a program that not only honors our past, but brightens our future: Celebrate Freedom.

Coordinated by the Fort Vancouver National Trust, Celebrate Freedom activities include a Flag Day Celebration, Independence Day Celebration, the Veterans Parade, the Marshall Public Leadership and Youth Leadership Award programs, and the General George C. Marshall Lecture Series.

An integral part of the Trust’s efforts to achieve national recognition of the Fort Vancouver National Site (our community’s very own national park), Celebrate Freedom inspires patriotism, encourages leadership – and reminds us that we have a responsibility to future generations.

An annual occurrence, the Trust’s director of programs, Cara Cantonwine, accompanied by President and CEO Elson Strahan and Senior Director of Development Alishia Topper, gave a presentation on Celebrate Freedom to the port’s board of commissioners on February 25. Commissioners Wolfe, Baker and Oliver were happy to continue the port’s sponsorship which began in 2000.

Visit the Fort Vancouver National Site website for more information on the Fort Vancouver National Trust and Celebrate Freedom.