Ambassador Myrick, Mrs. Myrick To Present 15th Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration

PORTSMOUTH
Portsmouth, Virginia native and retired U.S.  diplomat (Ambassador to Liberia and Lesotho)  and now ODU Ambassador in Residence, Ambassador Bismarck Myrick and his wife Mrs. Marie Pierre Myrick, will host the fifteenth  annual community Thanksgiving Day celebration in Portsmouth on November 24 (3-6 p.m.).

Ambassador Myrick, who is also a highly decorated combat veteran,  began the celebrations in 2002 after returning to Hampton Roads at the end of his distinguished diplomatic career.  The celebrations have become a tradition as Portsmouth community families and senior citizens enjoy a program with Thanksgiving Day treats, such as a turkey-centered meal, entertainment, fellowship and gifts.

The Myricks have invited U.S. Navy Captain and Portsmouth, Virginia native Nancy Wilson to make inspirational remarks on the occasion.

The Neighborhood Facility Rec Center (Old Armory) at 900 Elm Avenue is the venue for the program.  They expect approximately 300 guests.  For this year’s event, Dr. Jaclyn Walker chairs a  committee of dedicated, community based citizens  who assists with planning, decorating the facility and accommodating the participants.

Ambassador Myrick stresses that his objective is consistent with his personal values.  “I just want to share some of my blessings with others who may appreciate a pleasant Thanksgiving Day experience,” he said.

In addition to his native city of Portsmouth, Virginia, he has hosted similar events since 1990 at locations where he has lived and worked around the world, such as South Africa, Liberia, Lesotho and Atlanta, Georgia.