Contact: Wesley Strackbein, Vision Forum Ministries, 210-340-5250, ext 222, press@visionforum.org

JAMESTOWN, Virginia, Apr. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- Harrison Tyler -- grandson of John Tyler, America's tenth president -- has agreed to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Jamestown Quadricentennial, a week-long celebration of America's 400th birthday to be held June 11-16 in Virginia's historic triangle. Tyler, a direct descendant of Pocahontas, has also agreed to host the Quadricentennial finale at Fort Pocahontas, part of his family estate located a few miles downstream from the original Jamestown Settlement.

"Today marks the anniversary of John Rolfe and Pocahontas' wedding -- the first 'inter-racial' marriage in the New World," remarked Doug Phillips, founder of Vision Forum Ministries. "And on this day, we are pleased to announce that Harrison Tyler -- one of this couple's most distinguished descendants -- will help celebrate the legacy they helped to forge 400 years ago as Mr. Tyler serves as Grand Marshal of the Jamestown Quadricentennial."

Harrison's grandfather, President John Tyler, attended the 200th anniversary jubilee of Jamestown's founding in 1807 and gave the keynote address at the centennial celebration in 1857 on Jamestown Island. Harrison's father, Lyon Gardiner Tyler, who was president of the College of William & Mary for more than twenty years, was a leading advocate of the 1907 Tercentenary, writing numerous books on early Virginia history when America celebrated her 300th anniversary.

"For 200 years, the fathers and sons of the Tylers have led the American people in remembering America's providential beginnings in Jamestown," observed Phillips. "Even as this year's state-sponsored event has banned the word 'celebrate,' we are honored that Harrison has sought to carry on the Tyler family tradition by celebrating Jamestown's heritage with us as part of the Jamestown Quadricentennial."

"The Tylers can rightly be called 'The Grand Family of America's birthday,' and we are looking forward to a great event with Harrison serving as our Grand Marshal."

The Jamestown Quadricentennial: A Celebration of America's Providential History will follow in the tradition of great centennial events of the past and will feature Faith and Freedom history tours, games, boat and balloon rides, dramatic reenactments, fife and drum music, colonial firearms demonstrations, orations from noted Christian historians, a memorial dedication, among other attractions.

To interview Doug Phillips regarding his vision for the Jamestown Quadricentennial contact Wesley Strackbein by e-mail at press@visionforum.org or by phone at (210) 340-5250, ext 222.