The town of Dumfries recently has hosted several monumental occasions, from the naming of Liberty Lane to the official recognition of Batestown Road on Juneteenth, and Thursday night was one that will etch forever in its annals. While several political candidates have graced this town’s historic venues, either to promote their own candidacy or to endorse others, none was as remarkable as the visit of Vice President Kamala Harris. The first female Black and Asian Vice President graced the town to endorse the Democratic state ticket of candidates Terry McAuliffe, Virginia’s former Governor, as well as Lieutenant Governor candidate Hala Ayala, and Attorney General Mark Herring.

The locale was packed with supporters and well wishers, with many willing to wait hours to hear words of empowerment and vision. Among the speakers were Delegate Luke Torian (D-52nd), U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, and Ayala. Coming out to loud chants of “Hala, Hala!”, she addressed the adoring crowd the importance of voting. “Our commonwealth is at a crossroads,” said Ayala. “Who we elect in twelve days will say everything about who we are and what we stand for.”

“Everything is on the line November 2nd, and it is. This is the most important election of our lifetimes. The entire nation is looking to Virginia, and we have to show them who we are.”

After being introduced by his wife Dorothy, the former Governor came out to the song “Return of the Mack,” and song apropos for this election. He came out in a celebratory mood, but then switched a more serious tone to talk about more serious issues. Highlighting his record from his first term, McAuliffe reminded the crowd that of what he accomplished.

“Eight years ago when I was campaigning our state was the most anti-woman, anti-gay and pro-gun legislation around. We got to work to rebuild this economy,” said McAuliffe. He also discussed his civil rights record on passing anti-Jim Crow legislation as well as improving employment rates.

He stated that the biggest thing he is going to address is education, by raising teacher pay above the national average (currently it is 50th among all states) and provide access to pre-K education. At the end, he introduced the Vice President. Upon her arrival there was a cheer that would’ve shaken most stadiums, there was a brief singing of ‘Happy Birthday,” as it was her birthday yesterday. She acknowledge the cheers and adoration, then discussed the need for voter support.

“Do everything in your power to ensure that Terry McAuliffe is voted the next Governor of the state of Virginia. We also know this election is going to be about the next leader of this great state.”

“As with most political speeches though, there were brief moments in which protestors attempted to have their voices heard. As Vice President Harris continued to speak, interrupters rang out with sounds of “Stop Line 3,” which is a proposed pipeline expansion to bring nearly a million barrels of tar sands per day from Canada to Wisconsin. Their interruption was shortened as the Vice President continued to speak, moving on to discuss the possibility of abortion being outlawed if McAuliffe’s opponent Republican Glenn Youngkin wins.

“There are so many things in this moment,” said Harris, “and there’s a great opportunity if we have the right people in place. Let’s see this moment for all that it is presenting in each one of us, and let’s do everything we can that so Hala Ayala, Mark Herring win and Terry McAuliffe as the next Governor of the state of Virginia.”

Afterwards Vice Chair of the Prince William County Democrats Rozia Henson Jr. provided the following statement on the impact of Harris’ visit. “We’re excited to have Vice President Kamala Harris here tonight. She is the first woman of color to become Vice President and now we have an opportunity to elect the first woman of color as Lieutenant Governor in Hala Ayala.”

“There’s a lot of momentum and excitement for our candidates. We are only ten days away from Election Day and all hands are on deck. So far we’ve had [First Lady] Dr. Jill Biden visit, as well as Stacey Abrams and soon the President will come to Virginia in support of the ticket. On Sunday there will be the ‘Souls to the Polls,’ where several people will be voting, and we’re looking forward to a victory in November.”

This event follows through on a long time goals of the town of Dumfries to become a major attraction. What was near unthinkable years ago became attainable, as the Vice President came to Virginia’s oldest town, and it was due to the successful efforts of the town council, who led the charge to make this possible. Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson offered her thoughts. “We are celebrating this historic moment for the Town of Dumfries,” said Nickerson. “We are proud to have the Vice President of the United States in our community. This is the national manifestation of Dumfries being a destination.”

Town Councilman Brian Fields also spoke of the special occasion’s meaning. “To be a part of this historic moment on this great day definitely shows our communication with the leaders of our Commonwealth and national delegation.”

“It’s a great day for Dumfries!”