The Captain's Mess unveiled in Jefferson City, with commentary by Lorna Hainesworth

Given that June 4, 2008 was my 65th Birthday, I could think of no better way to celebrate this milestone than to attend the dedication and unveiling of the new statues known as “The Captain’ Mess” (1804) at the Lewis and Clark Trailhead Plaza in Jefferson City, Missouri.
The ceremony titled “A Journey for Generations” began in the Capital Rotunda where the St. Charles Fife and Drum Corps welcomed us They were followed by a procession of St. Charles Discovery of Expedition (DESC) members, posting of the colors and pledge of allegiance.
President Thomas Jefferson (Patrick Lee) gave the keynote speech. Attending him were Meriwether Lewis (Jan Donnelson—DESC member) and William Clark (Charles Clark, g-g-g-grandson of Capt. Wm Clark and DESC member). After several officials had given remarks, Sally Sprague, Jefferson City Lewis and Clark Task Force leader, gratefully acknowledged the monumental effort required by many individuals and groups to create the plaza and the statues.
We adjourned to the Lewis and Clark Trailhead Plaza where we saw five figures shrouded in white. In addition to a ribbon cutting by state and city representatives, Eve Pearlmutter and Donnie Deerpath (both DESC members) performed a “One with the Rivers” ceremony where water from every river in the Lewis and Clark saga was added to the fountain situated below the statues. After Missouri Governor Matt Blunt made his remarks, we heard from the sculptor of the statues, Sabra Tull Meyer. Ms. Meyer was then assisted by selected individuals to unveil each of the statues:
Seaman—Spencer Tull Meyer, grandson and James Johnson, g-grandson
Drouillard—Hugh Strague and Donnie Deerpath
York—James Dixon, MDC reenactor and Janet Maurer, “Coins for the Corps”
Clark—Sally Sprague and Charles Clark
Lewis—Jan Donnelson and Austin Tao, plaza landscape artist
The ceremony concluded with a gun salute by DESC members, a prayer lead by Bob
Plummer (DESC member), the singing of “God Bless America” and a lusty,“Huzzah!” “Huzzah!” “Huzzah!” --Lorna Hainesworth

Lewis and Clark at Kaw Point
204th Year, June 26, 2008

Thursday, June 26, 2008 6 p.m to 7:00 p.m. LOCATION: LEWIS AND CLARK PARK AT KAW POINT

Informative and entertaining evening at Lewis and Clark Park on Kaw Point.

Steve Kaub with Newfoundland dog Maximus

Lewis and Clark Journals interpreted by:

Jim Mordy, June 26, 1804 with comments

Pat Traffas, June 27, 1804 with comments

Dr. Pete Cuppage, June 28, 1804 with comments

Erin Pouppirt (a/k/a Erin Blackshere), Kaw Tribe Comments

About 25 attendees enjoyed the program. Afterwards, about 11 had dinner together at the Golden Ox.

Photos courtesy of Linda Hanley. See the full set at hanleyphoto's stream at flickr.

Photos by Steve Kaub