WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderFlorida Chautauqua Assembly Celebrates The American Presidency

Florida Chautauqua Assembly Celebrates The American Presidency

The city of DeFuniak Springs kicked off the second day of The Florida Chautauqua Assembly Friday. The 4 day conference provides and educational experience for the whole family. The theme this year - a journey into the American Presidency.

One president taking a leap across time to attend today. President Thomas Jefferson was the keynote speaker for assembly. Jefferson was portrayed by Bill Barker, who plays the same role up North in Colonial Williamsburg.

President Jefferson, known as one of the founding fathers, spoke on the political climate of his day, and the creation of America.

Another important role player in presidential history spoke today. In a discussion moderated by News 13's Amy Hoyt, Reverend Tyrone Broadus talked about his role in presidential history - from being the first African American in the Presidential firing party, to being the first African American to guard President John Kennedy's grave after his assassination. Reverend Broadus was the first African American among the 13 original Kennedy honor guards.

"I enjoyed to opportunity to pay homage to fallen commander and chief, and to be able to be there to assist people coming to pay homage to the president," Reverend Broadus said.

The 2012 Chautauqua assembly continues through the weekend, January 26th through January 29th. For more information, or to see a list of events, visit http://www.floridachautauquaassembly.org/about_us