Patriotic red, white and blue ribbons and wreaths, freshly pressed suits, pearls and military dress decorated the American Legion Manassas Post 114 Charter Members Memorial Breakfast held at the Wyndham Garden Hotel on May 16.
Manassas Mayor Harry J. Parrish, Councilmen Mark Aveni and Ken D. Elston, and Prince William County Sheriff Glen Hill attended the special ceremony to honor the history of the American Legion Manassas Post 114 founded by 16 war veterans in 1946.
The 12Â original World War I veteran charter members included French R. Bates, Landon J. Bates, George Buckner, John C. Chapman, Jack Gaines, Sr., Samuel D. Grayson, Charles E. Harris, Benjamin Hill, George C. Lomax, Robert R. Pickett, Thomas H. Phillips and Elton S. Sheppard. The four World War II veterans included Samuel W. Davis, Jr., Robert A. Lansdowne, Spencer Norris and William J. Short.
Dr. Renee Anderson, Head of Collections for the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture and Manassas native was a guest speaker.
Post Commander Julian Rozzell said, “It is a great honor to give homage and remembrance to those courageous World War I and World War II soldiers that served this nation proudly during a tumultuous period in their life as an American citizens of color.”
The event incorporated elements of somber reflection and voices of joyous inspiration with Commander Rozzell, Second Vice Commander Donald Scoggins, Comrade George Bodie, Comrade George Odom, and Dora Brooks, American Legion’s Women’s Auxiliary. The traditional presentation of the colors were performed with discipline and splendor by the Osbourne Park High School Navy ROTC followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Cadet Naomi Pariona.
Brooks welcomed all the Post members, families and guests to the event and said, “Reflect on the meaning of valor and on how these brave warriors helped to change the course of history.”
Commander Rozzell and Mayor Parrish unveiled and presented a brand new charter members plaque, a beautiful memorial emblazoned with the original charter members of 1946.
A hushed reverence fell over the crowd during Bodie’s moving POW resolution.
“The small table set for one symbolizes the dedication, courage and sacrifice of those who answered the call to battle,” Bodie said
Dr. Anderson gave a presentation on the collections of the new Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture museum opening in the late summer 2016.
Dr. Anderson said, “Highlights of the collection include a plane and a train – a PT-13D Stearman open cockpit bi-plane (c. 1941) used to train the famed Tuskegee Airmen for Army Air Corps service during World War II and a Jim Crow railroad car (c. 1922).
Dr. Anderson articulated the importance of preserving and sharing African American history with tales of retrieving amazing historical items for posterity. She invited all those in attendance to donate and to come to the opening of the museum.
Commander Rozzell shared the charter member’s personal historical background at the event compiled after months of document collection and interviews with family and friends. These 16 American Legion Manassas Post 114 charter members paved the way for all Americans to serve their country with dignity and honor. These men were bound by a shared pride of service to God, country and family.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved an additional $472,000 in federal funding to advance the Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project, a critical initiative to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility in Occoquan. The funding comes through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, bringing the project closer to completion.
The project, which has evolved since its inception, will construct 675 feet of sidewalk along Ellicott Street, connecting Mill Street to Poplar Alley and extending toward Union Street. It also includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps and crossings to address accessibility concerns. The initiative aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly connection between the town’s historic and business districts and the planned Occoquan Greenway trail.
“The Ellicott Street Sidewalk Project is one of several pedestrian improvement efforts we’ve pursued over the years,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta. “This specific project will create a safer, more contiguous connection to Mill Street and the town’s historic and business district.”
All Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) locations are scheduled to open at 1 p.m on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. This delayed opening is due to ongoing impacts from Winter Storm Blair. Library officials advise that opening times may be adjusted further if weather or road conditions worsen.
The CRRL serves residents in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Westmoreland counties, offering various services beyond traditional book lending. The library system provides access to technology, community events, educational programs, and resources like homework help, job search tools, and genealogical research. Its facilities include multiple branches, mobile libraries, and digital collections that can be accessed online.
Patrons are encouraged to check the library’s website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information on hours and services.Â
Looking for a musical treat this January? St. George’s Episcopal Church in historic downtown Fredericksburg is hosting a free concert on Sunday, January 19, at 3 p.m., featuring local favorite Hazel Run.
This talented folk group, comprised of Linda LaFave, Karen Richardson, and Stuart Whitford, blends Americana, soul, and rock influences to create a sound you won’t want to miss. While the concert is free, donations are gratefully accepted at the door.
St. George’s is known for its beautiful music in a beautiful space, with a concert series that celebrates both local and visiting talent. You’re warmly invited to enjoy the music and experience the welcoming community at St. George’s.
Stafford County Public Schools announced that Nevaeh Lewis of Colonial Forge High School and Emma Siegmund of Rodney Thompson Middle School have been selected for prestigious roles in Virginia’s legislative programs. Lewis will serve as a House of Delegates Page, while Siegmund has been chosen as a Senate Page. These appointments provide hands-on opportunities to learn about government and leadership during the upcoming General Assembly session in Richmond beginning January 8.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel W. Smith praised the students, stating that these roles will help develop leadership skills and inspire civic engagement. Both programs include working with legislators, participating in committee meetings, and engaging in civics and leadership education. Pages will also take part in mock legislative sessions and community service projects.
Siegmund, a high-achieving middle schooler with a 4.0+ GPA, is active in Model United Nations, the National Junior Honors Society, and other academic programs and is the daughter of county school board chair Maureen Siegmund. Lewis, a talented artist and performer, is also deeply involved in her church and community.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
