Leesburg’s River Creek Club Hosts ‘Liberty’s Legacy’ Celebration Marking 250 Years of American Independence

by SAH Staff Reporter March 16, 2026

By SAH Staff Reporter March 16, 2026 0 comments 3 minutes read

Courtesy: Virginia Humanities

On March 14, 2026, the River Creek Club in Leesburg hosted a celebration titled Liberty’s Legacy: Honoring 250 Years of American Independence, a vibrant tribute to America’s semiquincentennial.

Organized by Virginia Humanities Board Member Aparna Madireddi, the event brought together community leaders, veterans, elected officials, and a diverse group of performers in a program blending history, patriotism, music, and dance. The event encouraged reflection on the enduring ideals of 1776 while highlighting the diversity and inclusiveness of modern America. According to a statement from Virginia Humanities, the gathering received messages of support from the White House, the office of Governor Abigail Spanberger, and the office of Congressman Suhas Subramanyam.

The program began with a performance by the PVI Fife and Drum Corps, which presented a spirited prelude titled “Whispers of Liberty’s Fife.”

In addition to keynote remarks from Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk and Platinum Sponsor Anil Sharma, Founder and CEO of 22nd Century Technologies, Inc., the event featured several notable segments, including:

The Honor Guard
Patriotic tributes by world-renowned operatic baritone and jazz vocalist Scott Hetz Clark
An East-West fusion performance combining colonial-era melodies with Bharatnatyam and Kathak dance by students from Thapasya and Arpan Dance Schools
A cinematic presentation titled “250 Years of Service, Sacrifice, & The American Story” by the American Legion and PVI Corps
“Colonial Fiddler’s Frolic,” featuring 18th-century music and period dancing by the PVI Corps, led by performers from the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society Dance group, who traveled from Fredericksburg in authentic period costumes

Among those in attendance were several local and regional leaders, including Loudoun County elected officials: Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Mike Turner, Supervisor Laura TeKrony, Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson, Commissioner of the Revenue Bob Wertz, and Treasurer Henry Eickelberg, who also serves on the Virginia Treasury Board.

Loudoun County School Board members Deana Griffiths and Amy Riccardi were also present, along with Lana Westfall representing Congressman Suhas Subramanyam’s office. Additional attendees included Virginia Humanities Board Chair Larissa Smith, Director of the Virginia Folklife Program Katy Clune, and several other Virginia Humanities board members and staff.

Members of the Sgt. Major John Champe Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1177 of Leesburg, and Leonard W. Kidd Memorial American Legion Post 2001 also participated, along with several business and community leaders.

The gathering fostered a sense of unity across generations and “cultures, emphasizing resilience, sacrifice, and shared heritage” as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

Organizers noted that the event was made possible through the support of several sponsors:

Platinum Sponsor: 22nd Century Technologies, Inc.
Diamond Sponsors: Dulles Town Center and Global Seva Fund (GSF)
Gold Sponsors: Paaie Flagship Store, Sterling; The Goddard School; ActivPower Inc.; Henry C. Eickelberg, Treasurer of Loudoun County
Bronze Sponsor: ezDownsizing.com (Online Auction and Estate Sale Solutions)
Heritage Sponsors: AscendD (Academic Partners) and Platinum Home Design (PHD)

Organizers said the success of the commemoration reflected strong community collaboration, including volunteers, participants, sponsors, and residents of Northern Virginia who supported the event. Their collective enthusiasm and participation helped bring the Liberty’s Legacy celebration to life.