TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; More than 100 people gathered to hear portrayals of Pilgrim governor William Bradford and President Thomas Jefferson discuss their contributions to the experiment of liberty now called America.

The event was held at Truckee High School and hosted by Providence Foundation West. PFW is a newly established organization designed to serve the community by bringing in nationally recognized speakers and teaching history and government.

William Bradford, who was played by Sierra Bible Church pastor Wayne Hoag, told the audience about the Pilgrimsand#8217; failed attempt at communal living. It was only when they understood the concept and#8220;if a man shall not work he shall not eat,and#8221; that they produced enough food. Bradford also explained his important contribution in crafting the Mayflower compact, the first governing document of Plymouth Plantation.-

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Thomas Jefferson, played by Stephen McDowell of the Providence Foundation in Virginia, told the audience about the Declaration of Independence. Like the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration was a compact signed by Americaand#8217;s founders as they put their lives on the line to gain freedom.

Mark Beliles, president of the Transformation Network at the Providence Foundation, spoke of the departure of modern-day America from the principles of its founding. Beliles left the audience with hope, explaining the key to restoring America is groups of people gathering together to educate themselves and others on the foundational principles embraced by Bradford and Jefferson.

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To learn more about events hosted by Providence Foundation West e-mail PFWTruckee@gmail.com or check out their Facebook page.

and#8212; Submitted to aedgett@sierrasun.com