Rick Merryman, the Chief of Permits for the Park Service, retired this week after 42 years of service.  It was our privilege to attend his special retirement party and dinner with so many other groups and ministries that hold annual events on the National Mall.  Rick has been a friend of the ministry for years.  Together, we have lots of stories of eventful times on the Mall!  Remember the Beach Boys at the Washington Monument back in the 80′s – Rick?  Those were the days!  It was really something to have a stage right in the middle of the sea of people just a block from the Washington Monument – sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.    Many, many people gave their lives to Christ over the years.    Thanks again Rick for all of your help and service to make FreedomFestDC a great annual DC event!