Remembering Virginia’s rich heritage
By JR Hoeft | Friday, January 15th, 2010 | Catch-AllThis weekend, Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell will be inaugurated as Virginia’s 71st non-colonial governor, which practice began when Patrick Henry took the oath on July 5, 1776 following Virginia signing onto the Declaration of Independence. In looking back at the names of our Virginia governors, you’re struck by the strength of character, patriotism and perseverance most of them possess. Names such as Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, James Monroe, John Tyler, Mills Godwin, Doug Wilder – all jump from the list as Virginians who faced adversity and whose strong personalities carried Virginia and America through times of trial and healing.
When you look at the governors you also look back and remember the great story of this commonwealth from other personalities who also participated in it, such as: Captains Christopher Newport and John Smith of Jamestown, Pocahontas, Nathaniel Bacon, John Murray the Earl of Dunmore – Virginia’s last colonial governor, George Washington, George Mason, Daniel Morgan, Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee, Richard Henry Lee, John Marshall, William Clark, Meriwether Lewis, Stephen Austin, Sam Houston, Cyrus McCormick, Robert E. Lee, Thomas Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Arthur Ashe, and John Warner, just to name a few.
And by remembering them, you also recall the things that made them worth remembering, both good and bad: exploration, agriculture, fishing, philosophy, economics, liberty, science, music, philanthropy, justice, invention, education, manufacturing and revolution.
And then you also recall the places of our vibrant history: Arlington, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Yorktown, Richmond, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Jamestown, Charlottesville, Martinsville, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Chesapeake Bay, etc.
So, as we get ready to inaugurate another Virginia governor, and start a new chapter in Virginia’s history – on this Lee-Jackson-King Weekend – I choose to remember the entirety of Virginia’s heritage and thank God that our Commonwealth remains strong and a beacon to others; a leader in this Union of States.
On this weekend, we should all be proud to be Virginians.
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About the author
Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.
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10 Responses to "Remembering Virginia’s rich heritage"
I love being a Virginian. This post could have been 10 times as long, and still not scratched the surface of the greatness of Virginia.
Great post JR – though I am not a native Virginian, but rather a transplanted one, I consider myself to be 100% Virginian – its as if I had always been a part of the history and ideal of this great commonwealth.
I agree JR. Although, I’d still rather substitute the day Virginia rejoined the Union for Lee-Jackson Day, if we must have a Civil War holiday.
Great post! I am proud to consider myself a Virginian, even if I was not born and raised in the beautiful Commonwealth.
Virginia does have a great history. Happy Lee-Jackson Day everyone.
“To be a Virginian, either by birth, marriage, adoption, or even on one’s mother’s side, is an introduction to any state in the Union, a passport to any foreign country, and a benediction from the Almighty God.”
Amen.
Very nice article. I am not from Virginia, but I love to visit, and I believe it is perhaps the most beautiful state in the country, and you all definitely have something to be proud of. Never heard of Lee-Jackson day, although I now think the observance of it is appropriate. Funny how no one in the media ever talks about it
.
What a delight to see this post recognizing the great history of our Commonwealth. So much better than the sophomoric screed against two of Virginia’s greatest sons, Lee & Jackson, that dominated this site last year.
It’s never been about being “against” Lee and Jackson, merely that we choose to honor only them. I remain firmly committed to establishing a Virginia Heritage Day in lieu of Lee Jackson Day.
Jim,
If you haven’t read this piece, you may find it interesting.
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/article.php?view=516
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