Lt. Gov. Mike Steele Kicks Off 370th Anniversary of Maryland at Historic St. Mary's City
ST. MARY'S CITY ---  It's official.  Maryland has now passed the 370th mark this past week with celebrations on Thursday, March 25th, Maryland Day, at St. Clement's Island and on Sunday March 28th, at St. Mary's City.
On Sunday, Lt. Gov. Mike Steele, himself a descendent of slaves who once lived in St. Mary's County, was the keynote speaker.   Lt. Governor Steele the first Republican Lt. Governor since the post was created in the late sixties, Congressman Steny Hoyer (D. Md. 5th), Delegate John Bohanan (D. Lexington Park), and St. Mary's Commissioners Larry Jarboe (R. Golden Beach), Tommy McKay (R. Hollywood), Tommy Mattingly (D. Leonardtown) and Dan Raley (D. Great Mills) joined with various college and commission staff and trustees in handing out awards and noting accomplishments.
Commission Chairman Richard Moe pointed to various grants obtained in recent months by Congressman Hoyer for the rebuilding of the first brick Catholic Church in the 13 colonies and noted that the grants must be matched by other funds from donations. The first grant of $200,000 will assist in the construction of the brick walls while the second will aid in topping the structure with a roof.
The Society of the Ark and the Dove, composed of descendents of the first settlers, donated $50,000 to the cause, winning the applause of the nearly 500 people gathered for the event.
The Great Mills High school band played several tunes including Maryland, My Maryland and the Star Spangled Banner while school children from around Maryland brought a processional of county flags from each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City from the rear of the assembly to the stage.
Former Commission Chairman Ben Bradlee was recognized for his service in leading the commission since 1991 when he was appointed by then Governor William Donald Schaefer.