James "Frank" Asbury met Henri Breedlove in 1973. Henri had just moved to Cincinnati, Ohio from her home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They were introduced during a night out with mutual friends listening to jazz performer Shirley Scott play at the Viking Club in Avondale. They got married months later on August 25, 1973.
50 YEARS of marriage. 600 months of HUGS. 2,600 weeks of LaUghTeR. 18,250 days of patience. 483,000 hours of LOVE. We are so excited to celebrate this milestone with you, our cherished family and friends. Please join us in DC, if you can!
11:00 am
Smart Casual w/ Comfortable Shoes
This is OPTIONAL for those arriving in town early. Please RSVP by June 19th if you would like to join a group tour of the White House or the Capitol. Tours are not guaranteed, and requests will be made through members of Congress. Additional details will be sent to confirmed family and friends who RSVP.
6:30 pm
Come as You Are :: Cute Casual is the Way to Go
Hearty hors d'oeuvres and dessert will be served, in addition to adult beverages. Champagne Toast will be at 8:00 pm ET.
2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Comfortable Clothes for Hot Weather :: Bring a swimsuit & towel if you want to jump in the pool!
Lots of music, food, & FUN as we continue celebrating Frank and Henri's 50th anniversary and wish Ron Asbury (Frank's brother) a very happy birthday. Feel free to bring lawn toys, games, etc. We have access to a playground and resort-style pool (children must be accompanied by an adult).
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
This is OPTIONAL for those staying in DC through Sunday. Please RSVP by Juneteenth (June 19th) if you would like to join a group tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture (entry is free but a time slot must be reserved). Group tours are not guaranteed, and the exact time is subject to availability. Additional details will be sent to confirmed family and friends who RSVP.
Flight
This is the best place to fly into. You could also fly into Washington Dulles (IAD) International Airport (the Silver Line metro is now open) or into Baltimore (BWI), if it is easier for you. Both are about a 45-minute drive to DC.
Travel Note
DON'T MISS THESE DEALS! For any suggested hotel listed below, search the hotel name and book on our special site for the best rates. The hotels below are all rated highly by travelers and are located about 20 minutes or less from each event venue for the weekend. Feel free to search for other options. We recommend that you do a quick search on Trip Advisor when vetting any hotel.
Hotel
Alexandria, Virginia option with free parking!
Hotel
Virginia option a bit farther out, but access a group room rate of $91/night ($10/night parking) if you book at the provided link by July 27th.
Hotel
DC option near Union Station and the Capitol. No onsite self-parking, several parking garages nearby.
Hotel
Trendy DC option with rooftop bar and pool, walking distance to metro stop. Paid overnight valet parking plus nightly amenity fee.
Hotel
Old Town Alexandria option, near water taxi and King Street Metro, with free trolley outside the front door. Pay to park.
House Or Rental
There are amazing options across the area. The link shares a few suggestions. Lisette & Patrick live in DC proper (location of Welcome House Party). Frank & Henri live in Alexandria (location of Fam & Friends Cookout).
Train
New to Metro? No problem. Everything you need to know about how to ride the Metrorail can be found here.
Not a Commemoration ~ A Continuation! Rally tentatively planned to begin at the Lincoln Memorial at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 26th.
Did you know there are nightly free shows on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center? Explore "The Reach" or go see Moulin Rouge! The Musical or To Kill a Mockingbird, both playing in August.
Busboys and Poets is a restaurant, bar, bookstore, and community gathering place first established in 2005. Feed your mind, body, and soul. Visit the flagship location at 14th and V Streets, NW DC.
Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been a pillar of the Washington, DC community. They welcome locals as well as those visiting from across the country and around the world. The surrounding U Street neighborhood is a cultural hub with many options for restaurants, bars, and interesting boutique shops.
Eat - Drink - Shop - Explore This cool spot in Northeast has many shops and restaurants to discover. Parking lot and street parking available, near the NoMa Metro.
For White House/Capitol Tours and National Museum of African American History & Culture Group Tour, RSVP by June 19th. If you are not available/interested in group tours, please still RSVP by July 15th.
Absolutely! Please RSVP on behalf of whoever is coming with you (including children so we have an accurate count for food/drinks)!
There is free parking at both anniversary events: street parking in the Asheford Court neighborhood for the DC House Party and a free parking lot at the Watergate @ Landmark for the Celebration Cookout. Metro or rideshare may be easier for sightseeing in DC -- definitely on the morning of August 26th with the rally/march. Garage or street parking is generally difficult and expensive in the City, but not impossible.
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.