On Apr. 29th, 1607, a nation was born. On that day, the first permanent English settlers landed at present-day Cape Henry in Virginia Beach, Virginia, planting a cross and claiming the New World for Christ, King and country.
An Anglican priest named Rev. Robert Hunt led that group of English colonists in a prayer of gratitude and dedication as they erected the rough-hewn cross they had brought over from England.
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This week, the White House issued the following proclamation in honor of that momentous point in history. Here it is:
A PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
Four hundred and eighteen years ago, more than 100 men completed a grueling 144-day voyage from the countryside of England to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay in search of opportunity in the New World.
Commissioned by King James I and the Virginia Company of London, these intrepid settlers charted three small ships — the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery — to set sail on a perilous journey across the Atlantic to expand the reach of the English Crown into unknown lands, create a better future for their families, and further the “Glory of His Divine Majesty.”
Known as the “First Landing,” the seeds of America’s destiny were sown when this courageous band of Christians erected a towering wooden cross at the crest of Cape Henry, Virginia. Under the First Charter of Virginia, which commissioned the voyage, they consecrated the New World, gave thanks to God for their safe passage, and dedicated the land to His glory. The raising of the Cape Henry Cross was a visible symbol of the covenant the settlers made on their first day in the New World — for themselves and their posterity — to obey God, seek His blessing, and place their trust in Him.
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Reprinted with permission from cbn.com. Copyright © 2025 The Christian Broadcasting Network Inc. All rights reserved.
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