James Madison's Montpelier We the People Spring 2013 | Page 2

We The People

Letter from the

President

Rising each morning on the grounds of Montpelier is a true inspiration and I
always wonder what the day will bring. Two recent “Montpelier” days stand
out from the rest and reminded me what an honor it is to work for all of you in
advancing the stories of Montpelier.

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One of my recent memorable days was a visit, alongside President and
Mrs. Madison, to the Virginia General Assembly. The Assembly officially
recognized 2013 as the 200th Anniversary of President Madison’s second
inauguration, and The Montpelier Foundation for its place among historic
sites in Virginia. President and Mrs. Madison were graciously received by our
elected representatives, and standing in the Rotunda of the Capitol gave us
a keen sense of the sacrifices that so many have made to sustain our form of
constitutional government.
The second memorable day was the commemoration of the 262nd birthday of
Madison. As Col. David Maxwell of the U.S. Marines laid the ceremonial wreath
on behalf of President Obama, his words captivated us all. He spoke of the
timeless sense of engagement among young leaders, and the “decisiveness and
spirit” that Madison and the Founding Fathers exhibited throughout their 20s,
30s, and beyond, just like the leaders in the Marine Corps today. He spoke of
the honor of defending a Constitution and Bill of Rights which have stood the
test of time and remains a model for nations worldwide.
As we move forward in our work, it is days like these that serve as stark
reminders. The great legacy of Madison goes beyond the stunning home we
steward, Montpelier; it is the very ideal that our representative government
works best when our citizens are engaged and involved. 
Kat joined President and Mrs. Madison in the
balcony of the Virginia General Assembly, where
the 200th Anniversary of Madison’s second
inauguration was officially recognized. On the
occasion of Madison’s 262nd birthday, the U.S.
Marines honored his memory with the laying of a
ceremonial wreath on behalf of President Obama.

The Montpelier Foundation
Board of Directors  
Gregory May,* Chairman 
Kat Imhoff, President / CEO
Sean T. O’Brien,
Executive Vice President / COO
Arthur H. Bryant, Jr.,* Secretary
John J. Sponski,* Treasurer
Nancy N. Campbell*
Patricia Crowe*
Elinor K. Farquhar*
Florence Fowlkes*
Eugene W. Hickok
Directors Emeritus
Arthur J. Collias
Walter W. Craigie
David E. Gibson
Joe Grills, Chairman Emeritus
A. E. Dick Howard
Ralph Ketcham
William H. Lewis, Chairman Emeritus
Richard Moe
Louise B. Potter 

It thrills me to look forward to the years of “Montpelier” days ahead, as we work
to expand the breadth and depth of our engagement with citizens of all ages,
across our nation and the world.
With thanks,

CREDITS
Dennis A. Kernahan*
Stephen T. McLean*
Stephanie K. Meeks
Leigh B. Middleditch, Jr.
Roger H. Mudd
Jack N. Rakove
Cynthia M. Reusché*
Gail Serfaty
Ella Strubel
G. Edward White
Roger Wilkins
*Executive Committee

Editor: Steve Bowers | Art Director: Travis Searcy, Mountain High Media

Hunter R. Rawlings III
William C. Remington
Margaret B. Rhoads
Peter G. Rice
H. B. Sedwick III
Elizabeth B. Waters

Susan Carter: Page 11

Ex Officio
Mrs. Henry E. I. duPont
Mr. H. E. Irénée duPont II

Photographers:
Tom Daly Photography: Cover, pages 3 (Founding Friendship), 4, 6, 7
(Founding Friendship), 9, 19
Mike Miriello, University Photographer at James Madison University:
Page 2, Madison birthday commemoration
Ray Woolfe Jr., n.d.: Page 3 (Battleship - duPont Scrapbook 15, pg. 15,
img. 001; Courtesy of Montpelier)
Kenneth M. Wyner: Pages 3 (mansion), 13 (mansion)
James Roney Photography: Page 7 (living flag in front of mansion)
Teresa Cole: Back cover

We The People is published by The Montpelier Foundation.
© Copyright 2013 by The Montpelier Foundation. All rights reserved.