I grew up about 2 miles from Jamestown, the sight of the first permanent English colony in North America. Established in 1607, this year marks the 400th anniversary of the landing of the first three ships.

As one would expect, there was a big to-do, with Queen Elizabeth II over from England, and President Bush II down from D.C. It was a three day affair, with a reenactment of the landing, concerts and all sorts of educational stuff at the State & National Parks that surround the landing site.

My parents still live those 2 miles away, and we all spent the weekend taking in the festivities.