Celebration
In the process of fundraising for the Project, FWS will seek to elevate, educate, and celebrate – focusing on the history and meaning behind Virginia’s gift of the Washington Statue in Trafalgar Square and its inspiration, the “Special Relationship.”
We plan to complete the Project, rededicate the historic Washington Statue in Trafalgar Square, and celebrate the “Special Relationship” in the summer of 2025.
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Thanksgiving Reception - November 2024
“As Thanksgiving provides a moment to focus on gratitude, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin and Governor Glenn Youngkin joined the nonprofit Friends of the Washington Statue to celebrate the planned restoration of the George Washington statue in London’s Trafalgar Square — a powerful symbol of the two nation’s ‘special relationship’ and shared values.
As America prepares for the 250th anniversary of independence and various commemorations take shape, the 2025 rededication of this important icon reminds us of George Washington’s lasting influence as the “Father of Our Country” and an Englishman who is revered by all.
Virginia is proud to honor his legacy and foster the partnerships that connect us across borders.”
– Excerpt from the First Lady’s Feature in the Spirit of 74 Newsletter (November 2024)
FWS will raise private funding for the Project in a manner that it may be given, like the Washington Statue, as a gift from the Commonwealth of Virginia to the People of Great Britain and Ireland. FWS expects to undertake a broad fundraising initiative and use this rare opportunity to educate people throughout the world, informing and inspiring future generations, about the nature of Virginia’s gift so prominently displayed in London’s central square and the “Special Relationship” which inspired it.
FWS will emphasize the ancient friendship, strong alliances, and close cooperation between the US and UK – possibly also taking this opportunity to recognize some of the highlights of the “Special Relationship,” especially those with Virginia:
- the 210th Anniversary of the Treaty of Ghent;
- the shared ideals and principles which are the “common inheritance” of the US and UK – e.g., including among others the individual rights and love of liberty which led to the Magna Carta, Habeus Corpus, Trial by Jury, and English Common Law and ultimately to the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution, etc.;
- the eight wars the US and UK have fought in together “side-by-side” since Virginia’s gift in 1914 – i.e., World War I, World War II, North Atlantic Alliance, Korean War, Persian Gulf War, War in Iraq, War in Afghanistan, Global War on Terrorism, etc.;
- George Washington as a son of Virginia (born an Englishman), American Founding Father, military commander, and statesman; and
- Virginia’s own “special relationships” with Great Britain and Ireland – e.g., Jamestown as Great Britain’s 1st Colony in America (1607), among others.
FWS expects this gift and the related unveiling, rededication, and celebration(s) in London in the summer of 2025 will be a fitting and gracious lead up to the 250th Anniversary of American Independence in 2026.
