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.

______________________________________
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html