RPV Retiree's Coalition

Comment

Comment by Ray Waddell on March 24, 2009 at 11:11am

This is a bit off the subject. I am trying to get the following message posted to another group that has nothing to do with the RPV network. I thought maybe you folks might be interested in its contents and intent. I fully appreciate that I'm asking for "bailout" money. But I'm asking because it's there and its for Veterans and could be for Virginia's benefit. I'm not asking for comment on this post. I just want you to read it in hopes that some one out there knows how to get the idea done.

I'd thought I'd let you know that since 1985, I have tried to get our Commonwealth to "partner" with the "Feds" to
establish a "National Cemetery" here in the Shenandoah Valley by acquiring either the Cross Keys Battlefield or the
Port Republic Battlefield.

About a year ago, there was some serious correspondence initiated that enabled me to propose the idea again. In the
end, it was the very folks that wanted so desperately to preserve these sites that "shot" the concept down. They
cited that establishing a "National Cemetery" on a Civil War Battlefield would somehow "desecrate sacred land" - I'm
not kidding and can provide the letter if anyone is interested.

Background: In 1985 I learned that the closest Virginia National Cemetery still open to receive deceased Veterans
was Culpeper other than Arlington National -- for the relatives of "Valley" and eastern West Virginians. I admit my
purposes were somewhat selfish. I wanted a National Cemetery for the Shenandoah Valley because I believed this
facility, if located on a Civil War Battlefield site, would help to promote tourism. But also, I recognized the
practical need in light of the future final and honorable disposition for "Vietnam Veterans" and now the "Gulf
Wars" Veterans. (I should note here that I will be buried in Culpeper National Cemetery with other members of my
family.)

Now comes HR1! (The American Recovery Act). On page 700 or so (I can look it up if you insist), there are
provisions for "new" infrastructure for "Veterans"; and, the wording is coupled with maintenance and upgrade of
guess what? National cemeteries.

I immediately fired off this information to more than several of our General Assembly members. And that's where it
stands. I've heard nothing further.

So there it is. I leave this exercise for you to ponder. Since 1985, I have fostered and proposed more than several
times what I thought was a practical idea that could acquire and preserve these "honored" sites in perpetuity.

Comment by Tom Whitmore on January 18, 2009 at 10:41pm

And trust me Alton we need all the support we can get don't we?

Comment by Alton Foley; Henry County on January 18, 2009 at 9:22pm

Not retired, but I do fully support all you really old guys...

Comment by Tom Whitmore on January 18, 2009 at 10:25am

OP,
I will match that, as long as the internet access stays up!

Comment by Ray Waddell on January 18, 2009 at 10:18am

There may be a "cotton field" in your short future.

ThirdRail.pdf

Comment by Patrick N. Washington on January 18, 2009 at 8:23am

I wish I could retire at my age. However, I am behind you all anyway.

Comment by O. P. Ditch on January 17, 2009 at 4:55pm

Ok, I will toss in the pot, two 4 hr shifts per week to the PWCRC Hqs. Someone else has to organize it.

Comment by Dave Seliquini on January 17, 2009 at 1:12pm

yeah, I am 19 and I just joined the Navy. I'm not even close to retirement haha.

Comment by Deborah Munoz on January 17, 2009 at 12:28pm

I'm not retired either, but I'll also be supportive.

Comment by Kathryn Williams on January 17, 2009 at 10:16am

Definitely not retired, but I support your endeavor!

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