Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commencement

On January 18, 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Congress asking it to fund the exploration of the western part of the continent. Thus began a three-year journey which took the explorers from St. Louis, Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. Over the next three years, there will be many events at related points across the country to commemorate the expedition.

The official Bicentennial Commencement program included an honor song by Daniel Redelk Gear of the Monacan Nation; an invocation by Monacan Chief Branham; the singing of the national anthem by Monticello High School senior Christina Marie Goyne; remarks by Secretary Norton, Governor Warner, National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial President Archibald, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation President Epstein, National Congress of American Indians President Hall, and Thomas Jefferson Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Saunders; the keynote address by Professor Ronda; flag processions by the U.S. Army close