You are here: Home > Visitor Information > Latest News > The Earl and Countess of Devon to be ambassadors for the historic Mayflower 400 Project
The Earl and Countess of Devon to be ambassadors for the historic Mayflower 400 Project
7th September 2016
The Earl and Countess of Devon, Charlie and AJ Courtenay, are pleased to accept an invitation to be ambassadors for the Mayflower 400 Project, and to add their support to a growing team of international partners commemorating the historic Mayflower voyage.
The Mayflower 400 Project is developing a programme of events to commemorate the Mayflower’s epic journey in 1620. The humble Mayflower carried the Pilgrim Fathers from Plymouth (Devon) to Plymouth (Massachusetts) together with their ideals of liberty and tolerance that laid the foundations of the United States’ Constitution and the freedoms that it enshrines to this day.
The sailing of the Mayflower and the foundation of Plymouth (Massachusetts) formed the basis of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States that endures to this day. Charlie and AJ themselves are proud examples of the flourishing friendship between nations, with Charlie a Devonian and AJ a Californian.
Charlie said, “It is an honour to be ambassadors for the Mayflower 400 Project and we look forward to involvement in many activities leading up to the 400th anniversary in 2020. Having witnessed the ambition of the Project, the breadth of communities involved, and the message of freedom and tolerance that the Mayflower story embodies, we are excited to contribute.
The county of Devon played a pivotal role in the success of the Mayflower. As well as our historic ties to Devon, a Courtenay family descendent was actually aboard the Mayflower, so we have a direct link to the events of 1620. We look forward to sharing the history of the journey and how it has shaped both our countries and the world ever since.”
AJ continued, “Being involved in the Mayflower 400 Project is a great opportunity to promote our shared heritage and freedoms to a global audience. As an American with a deep fondness for our tradition of Thanksgiving, it is fascinating to learn more of the Pilgrims’ story and the reasons for the heroic journey they undertook. As a descendent of Jewish immigrants to America, I particularly value the principles of freedom and liberty carried by the Mayflower.
We’re delighted to support the Project. The programme the partnership has put together is impressive and is a major opportunity for not just Devon but the whole of the UK. It will also be a fitting tribute to those brave souls that set sail on the Mayflower nearly 400 years ago.”
Adrian Vinken OBE, Chairman of the Mayflower 400 UK Partnership, said, “We are delighted that Charlie and AJ have accepted our invitation to be patrons of Mayflower 400. They are the living, breathing embodiment of our special relationship with the United States and their involvement, passion and commitment towards the programme is a huge endorsement for all we are trying to achieve with our international partners.”
For more information about the Mayflower 400 Project visit www.mayflower400uk.com