‘For the better of mankind,’ time-honored Return Day tradition coincides with American 250th

Georgetown, Del. – The centuries-old, time honored Delawarean tradition of Return Day coincided with the two hundred and fiftieth year of American independence.

Dating back to the 1790s, the unique, biennial tradition marks the end of the political campaign year. A parade featuring local officials, state leaders, schools, businesses and organizations is capped off by the official town crier reading the results two days after Election Day. The event is meant to lead voters and political candidates alike let bygones be bygones.

For Delawareans, the special tradition marks a time to honor community and celebrate moving forward.

Delawarean politicians

“Everybody coming together as one,” Greenwood resident Ethel Johnson said.

Fellow Greenwood resident Rikeisha Cephas echoed the sentiment saying Return Day was about people coming together “just looking for a change” and “just see what the future holds for everyone.”

Kenneth Dunning and his wife live in Milton and he said he lines up his vacation time with Return Day because of how special it is for him and his family. “It’s when everybody gets along, they shake hands and say, ‘oh, well, better luck next time,'” he said.

Glenn Burnham is a visitor from Maine and he said he was impressed by the tradition. He said the Delawarean political tradition spoke to the very core of the American spirit of democracy.

“If you didn’t vote then, you know, what say do you have,” he said. “So we have to be American about it and strive for the better of mankind.”

For elected officials — incumbent, newly elected, or defeated — Return Day marks a time to honor each other.

“This is how democracy is supposed to work,” newly re-elected state Rep. Alonna Berry (D-D20) said. “We’re supposed to vote for who we believe is the best candidate, and then we’re supposed to work together, and move forward.”

Republican state Sen. Eric Buckson said the tradition is a quintessential representation of how Delawareans conduct politics.

“We want to bury that hatchet in a way that says we can have our differences,” he said. “But in this moment and this time, let’s enjoy each other.”

Republican, Democrat, Independent or unaffiliated, Delawareans have come again once more to (literally) bury the hatchet.

Hatchet Burying Ceremony