Virginia Beach celebrates 400 years of religious freedom.

[Recoil]

Assemble at the Beach for the 400th Anniversary of the First Landing

2007 promises to be an exciting time for the Hampton Roads area. This coming year will commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, the first permanent English colony in the New World. Dignitaries from all around the world are expected to participate in various events scheduled throughout the year, and Virginia Beach be definitely see some involvement with the upcoming Assembly 2007.

Where many Jamestown 2007 events will center on the settlement and social and political aspects of our nation's founding, The Assembly 2007 concerns the religious side of American history. For it was on the shores of Virginia Beach, in the area now known as First Landing State Park, where the first Christian prayers on American soil were uttered. On April 29, 1607, the settlers of the Jamestown colony planted a large cross on the beach where they landed, giving thanks to God for a safe journey and the promise of a new life.

Four hundred years later, The Assembly 2007 seeks to celebrate this momentous occasion with a costumed reenactment of the First Landing. Scheduled for April 29, 2007, The Assembly highlights a three-day conference of gospel and worship with some of the most renowned evangelists and ministers in the country. Thousands of people are expected to gather on the 20th Street Oceanfront for this once in a lifetime free event. Virginia Beach residents Pat Robertson and John and Anne Gimenez of Rock Church International are among the many noted guests tapped to speak on issues affecting the nation, and how those simple words of praise shared by our forefather helped shape a powerful country.

Visitors interested in learning more about The Assembly 2007 may visit their official website at http://www.TheAssembly2007.org. Streaming video previews of the upcoming film First Landing are available, as is detailed information on the event and conference.