Absolon Kent

Husband, Father, Man of God

Absolon Kent

May 12, 2024

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, stands as a solemn testament to the resilience and history of African-American communities in the region. Established in 1864 during the U.S. Civil War, this site was the final resting place for thousands of formerly enslaved individuals who sought refuge and freedom in Alexandria. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans throughout American history, offering visitors a place for reflection, remembrance, and reverence for those who paved the way for progress and equality.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/539

#TodaysAdventure #AlexandriaCityParks #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #FamilyTime #TeamKent #KENTCANDO

Absolon Kent

May 12, 2024

2024 Annual Smithsonian Weekend

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WASHINGTON — The 2024 Annual Smithsonian Weekend was a convergence of culture, innovation, and discovery. The Smithsonian museums and galleries show the rich tapestry of history and culture with interactive displays, thought-provoking discussions, and engaging activities.

#SmithsonianWeekend #TeamKent #MyDMV

Absolon Kent

May 9, 2024

Annandale Community Park

ANNANDALE, Va. — Nestled in the heart of Annandale, Va., Annandale Community Park is a picturesque green space that offers scenic walking trails and shady picnic areas. The park includes playgrounds, sports fields, and tennis courts and is the home of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/523

#TodaysAdventure #FairfaxCountyParks #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #FamilyTime #TeamKent #KENTCANDO

Absolon Kent

May 7, 2024

Sharing Malcolm's Story (WJLA TV Interview)

ANNANDALE, Va. — Again, I find myself stating how hard it can be to grieve in public, especially after the loss of a child, but we hope that sharing our story can help prevent other families from experiencing the same pain.

After losing our son, Malcolm, in January, my wife and I decided to work together to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and its effects on children. Today, my wife sat down for an interview with WJLA TV, which has turned into a series of stories at the station. The station has provided a link to the series of reports on its website (WJLA.com - May 7, WJLA.com - May 8, WJLA.com - May 9, and WJLA - May 10), or you can view the entire interview on its YouTube page.

📺 Tuesday, May 7, 2024, WJLA 5 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_5pm_7May2024.mp4

📺 Tuesday, May 7, 2024, WJLA 6 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_6pm_7May2024.mp4

📺 Wednesday, May 8, 2024, WJLA 4 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_4pm_8May2024.mp4

📺 Wednesday, May 8, 2024, WJLA 11 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_11pm_8May2024.mp4

📺 Thursday, May 9, 2024, WJLA 6 am Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_6am_9May2024.mp4

📺 Thursday, May 9, 2024, WJLA 4 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_4pm_9May2024.mp4

📺 Thursday, May 9, 2024, WJLA 5 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_5pm_9May2024.mp4

📺 Friday, May 10, 2024, WJLA 4 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_4pm_10May2024.mp4

📺 Friday, May 10, 2024, WJLA 5 pm Broadcast — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_5pm_10May2024.mp4

📺 Tuesday, May 7, 2024, WJLA Full Interview — absolonkent.net/Malcolm_Memorial/video/television_WJLA_full_interview.mp4

#TeamKent

Absolon Kent

May 4, 2024

Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park

ANNANDALE, Va. — The Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park in Annandale, Virginia, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich railway history. Set amidst serene natural surroundings, the park showcases remnants of the Manassas Gap Railroad, a planned transportation route linking the Shenandoah Valley to Northern Virginia.

Construction of the Manassas Gap Railroad began in the 1850s to transport agricultural products from the Ohio and Shenandoah Valleys to markets in Northern Virginia. Merchants in Alexandria opted to construct the Independent Line of the Manassas Gap Railroad to circumvent high rail rental charges imposed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The proposed railroad would span 34 miles from Bull Run, traversing the city of Fairfax before veering east near the village of Annandale, proceeding into Indian Run Valley, and terminating at the rail yards of Alexandria.

Although the filling and leveling necessary for the rail bed's construction were completed, funding shortages halted progress, and the rails never extended beyond Alexandria. The rail beds became notable earthworks during Civil War battles and skirmishes in Annandale and Fairfax.

Today, the Manassas Gap Railroad Historic Site Park and the Annandale Community Park encompass 1,870 feet of railroad bed, two historic culverts, and substantial masonry work, preserving the legacy of this ambitious but ultimately unrealized railway project.

📸: absolonkent.net/photogallery/index.php?/category/522

#TodaysAdventure #FairfaxCountyParks #MyDMV #GetOutside #OutdoorAdventures #FamilyTime #TeamKent #KENTCANDO