Return Day: Celebrating “The Delaware Way”

Dear Friend, 

Since its founding in 1791, Delaware has practiced a culture of civility that has taken hold throughout our villages, towns, cities and government. Each year, thousands of Delawareans gather in Georgetown on the Thursday after Election Day for Return Day – a 223-year-old political tradition that is unique to the First State.

On Return Day, Delawareans put aside our differences and recommit to the common goal of building a better Delaware for generations to come. Some refer to this display of civility as the “The Delaware Way,” and it echoes the First State’s strong sense of community, carrying with it a message of unity for mutual progress.

This Return Day, I realized our nation has a lot to learn – and even more to gain – by working together in The Delaware Way. When the 113^th Congress returns to Washington next week, I urge my colleagues to embrace the same core value of togetherness that we Delawareans embody back home. Republican or Democrat or Independent – we must renew our shared commitment to moving our nation forward. 

Dutifully Yours,

Tom Carper