Thomas Jefferson
Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian Burry, Chair of the Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee once again brought the 21st century Thomas Jefferson to the Cedar Drive School, a tradition she started several years ago.
Although unable to attend this year, Commissioner Burry, long recognized as an admirer of the third President of the United States, wrote the following excerpt in commemoration of The President’s birthday on April 13. “This has been my opinion that sealed my convictions completely and constructively.
Thomas Jefferson was a man for his time, most assuredly, but more than that, for all time. He founded the University of Virginia, then went on to design its great Rotunda. He designed the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond, then served as Governor for two terms. He served under the two first Presidents of the United States, was the first Secretary of State, then went on to serve two terms as the president himself. And all of that more than a decade after he drafted the nation’s Declaration of Independence and created the foundation for the United States of America.”
When a student asked of his accomplishments, today’s Mr.Jefferson stated how he left specific wording for his monument upon his death:
HERE WAS BURIED THOMAS JEFFERSON, AUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE OF THE STATUTE OF VIRGINIA FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND FATHER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA.” And “because by these, as testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered.”
Jefferson, portrayed by Steve Edenbo of the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia, engaged the students, Principal Rigby and the 6th grade staff, members of the Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee and Monmouth County Historical Commission with history from Jefferson’s time.
The key point he highlighted to students was the importance of five words in the Declaration of Independence, “All men are created equal.”
After a question and answer session, Mr. Jefferson was met with much high-spirited applause.
