Who’s coming to Acton? 250th anniversary VIP list still unclear
“It’s a chicken-and-egg situation where we want to set that script up, but we need the people to RSVP.”
George W. Bush is out. As for Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and other big names, the rumors swirl.
One month before the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, Concord250 organizers said they did not know for sure who would lead the bill of speakers at a much-anticipated North Bridge ceremony on April 19.
The murky outlook isn’t a surprise. Even so, Concord250 Executive Committee co-chair Rob Munro acknowledges VIP scheduling is a challenge.
“It’s a chicken-and-egg situation where we want to set that script up, but we need the people to RSVP,” Munro said. “But they’re not going to RSVP until they know what they’re going to do.”
As some organizers work with Gov. Maura Healey’s security team, hospitality and invitations liaison Patricia Hopkins said the governor had not officially responded to her invitation as of March 12.
Hopkins said she had to give police a parking needs assessment for VIP guests on March 14.
“I’ll be doing that without knowing what their needs are,” she said during an Executive Committee meeting, referencing Healey’s team.
Some RSVPs
In addition to Healey, co-chair Gary Clayton said, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Rep. Lori Trahan will participate on April 19. Organizers have been in touch with Sen. Ed Markey’s office and hoped he would accept their invitation.
Organizers invited Sen. Elizabeth Warren but had not reached out personally.
Munro and Clayton said Acton’s state legislators will join April 19 events. Representatives from the British and Japanese consulates in Boston will also participate.
Clayton said Gen. Steven Nordhaus will make the trip to Acton. A four-star general, Nordhaus heads the National Guard Bureau and sits on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Presidential plans
RSVPs have been a frequent topic of discussion ahead of 250th anniversary celebrations. In 1975, President Gerald Ford headlined the speaking program at North Bridge. President Ulysses S. Grant visited the area in 1875.
Concord250 leaders invited all living presidents to this year’s events. Clayton said Bush “politely declined.” The others did not respond.
Clayton said local leaders would likely hear about a presidential visit two to three weeks ahead of time, “at best.”
Police Capt. Brian Goldman laughed and shared a similar message when asked about new rumors. “If we’re lucky, we’ll get two weeks out,” he said.
At the March 12 Concord250 Executive Committee Meeting, Munro said people have flooded him and Clayton with questions about the guest list.
Committee member Fred Ryan said, “It appears that our governor will be our keynote speaker.” But he cautioned the plan is subject to change.
Though he wouldn’t headline the events, actor Kurt Russell might attend due to his connection with the historic Russell family in Arlington, Ryan said.
‘Any and all eventualities’
Munro said organizers “are planning for any and all eventualities.” If a president accepts their invitation, Munro said, “It’s not going to catch us on our heels.”
Munro and other Concord250 planners emphasize that their public safety plans are “scalable” depending on crowd sizes and the VIP list.
Regardless of who takes the microphone, Munro said officials hope to limit speakers to short remarks at North Bridge and other events throughout the day.
“There are a lot of things to get through,” he said. “So, we don’t want to get bogged down.”
