Valley Forge Region Goes to Delaware

By Don Miller

As we all know, Election Day was November 4, 2008. We also know that it was an historic event. One of Delaware’s favorite politicians, U.S. Senator Joe Biden, was elected to the second highest office in the land. This meant that Return Day in Sussex County was going to be very special this year.

Return Day takes place two days after the General Election every other year on the even year. 2008 is special this year because a new Governor was elected, and U.S. Senator Joe Biden was elected Vice President and Barack Obama was elected President. This year, November 6^th was the big day. This event has been taking place in Sussex County since the late 1700’s. It was the day when there is an Ox Roast, and the Town Crier would read the “returns” from the front steps of Town Hall. This tradition still stands to this day.

Prior to the 2006 Event, the Valley Forge Region was invited to be a part of the parade and transport various politicians and dignitaries. When I asked for some volunteers, the response was wonderful. The cars were so well received, we were invited to participate again. Again, there was good response. Arrangements were made for us to stay at the Comfort Inn, Georgetown, just outside town limits.

 The following members and cars were in attendance.

Andy Jacoby, 1941 Cadillac Convertible Sedan

Bud Coleman, 1940 LaSalle Sedan

Al Cowling and Mary Conway, 1964 Eldorado Convertible

Jeff Hansen, 1942 Formal Limousine

Joe Mosteller, 1971 Eldorado Convertible

Rob and Chevonne Robison, 1942 and 1947 Convertibles.

Cliff Woodbury, 1953 4 door sedan.

Mark and Linda Butala, 1937 LaSalle Sedan & 1962 Convertible.

Dave and Betty Mayo, past president of HCCP, 1968 Sedan Deville.

Don and Brenda Miller, 1966 Dodge and 1988 Plymouth Police Cars.

There were also several members of the Delaware Antique Police Car Association with us, but in a different location in the parade.

Back to how it all started. It was in June that I was advised that the CLC/VFR would be invited once again. I made the announcement at a regular meeting. It was also discussed at a couple Grand National Committee meetings.

Plans were made to travel to Georgetown on the day after Election Day, November 6^th. Some folks met at my house, some went on their own, and the rest we met at a “Park ‘n Ride” lot along DE Route 1. After we were all assembled, our caravan headed south, being led by Lt. Barry Beck, Retired Delaware State Police, in his 1978 Plymouth Fury, with DSP Markings.

By the time we got to Georgetown, it was raining like a monsoon. Not to worry though, the weather wizards said by parade time it would be clearing out and it would be dry, but cloudy. At about 5:30 P.M., we were escorted into Georgetown’s Town Square to display our cars and have dinner. Although it was still raining off and on, we were met by well wishers and lots of Security. Return Day Committee member, Dan Bent, had made dinner reservations at the Georgetown Family Restaurant.  We were joined there by former governors Dale Wolfe and Russell Peterson, and their wives.

Upon arriving back at the Hotel, we watched the Weather Channel. They were still claiming that it would clear up by noon Thursday. The parade steps off at 1:00 P.M. We all retired to our rooms for a much needed rest. We are to meet in the lobby at 8:30 A.M. for instructions.

Thursday morning we all meet in the lobby for breakfast and briefing. And you guessed right, it’s still raining, and hard, too. Mrs. Rosalie Walls, President of the Return Day Committee Inc, was introduced to the group, and she thanked us all for being a part of this Historical Event. She promised us good weather for 2010.  

All but one car was made ready for the parade, and taken for security inspection by Secret Service and Delaware State police K-9 units. Cadillac owners were then taken to a breakfast reception with the people they were going to transport on the parade. They got to witness Delaware Politics first hand. Oh, by the way, it’s STILL RAINING!

The parade was delayed from stepping off on time by the tardiness of one of the major participants. Thirty minutes later, the parade stepped off slowly. At 2:00 P.M. it was still raining, and the parade was underway. The crowd, after going thru security and metal detection, lined both sides of the street. It was a great turnout in spite of the weather. Yes folks, it’s still raining. The parade and ceremonies were over by 4:00 P.M. and after re-grouping at the Hotel, we were on our way home.

See the YouTube Video of Joe Biden at Return Day

Visit the Return Day Website

There was a meeting after the parade that I attended at State Police Headquarters in Dover. The Return Day Committee was still raving about the club and our cars. I was presented with a “Thank You” plaque for the club. At the November meeting, President Marty Watkins suggested that the award be presented to Vice President Andy Jacoby.

Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU to all who attended in such bad weather, allowing their Pride ‘n Joys get completely soaked. It is a huge feather in VFR’s hat, and will not be forgotten. I’m proud to be a member of such a great region. We have been written into history in the State of Delaware, and will no doubt be invited back for 2010. All of Delaware is the Valley Forge Region. Vice President elect Joe Biden is looking forward to the next event already.

Respectfully submitted,