In the years 1976-81 the United States will reach the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. Recognizing the primary role which Virginia played in the preliminary debates and in the events of those years, it seemed appropriate to the General Assembly during the Regular Session of 1964 that plans should be made early for the proper celebration of this historic occasion. Accordingly, a resolution was introduced providing for a study by the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council and a report "on the need for creation of a State Commission to plan, execute, and coordinate Virginia's observance of this anniversary."

Pursuant to this resolution, Lewis A. McMurran, Jr., member of the House of Delegates, of Newport News, was chosen by the Council as Chairman of the Committee to make the initial study and report to the Council. The following individuals were selected to serve as members of the Committee with Mr. McMurran: Arthur W. Arundel, Publisher, Arlington; William Gleason Bean, Professor Emeritus of History, Washington and Lee University, Lexington; Samuel M. Bemiss, Industrialist, Richmond; Lloyd C. Bird, member of the Senate of Virginia, Richmond; George M. Cochran, member of the House of Delegates, Staunton; Edwin Cox, Chemist and Chemical Engineer, Aylett; W. C. (Dan) Daniel, member of the House of Delegates, Danville; Mrs. Robert V. H. Duncan, President General, Daughters of American Revolution, Alexandria; Carlisle H. Humelsine, President, Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated, Williamsburg; David J. Mays, Attorney, Richmond; Parke S. Rouse, Jr., Executive Director, Jamestown Foundation, Williamsburg and William J. Van Schreeven, State Archivist, Richmond.

The Committee organized and elected Senator Lloyd C. Bird as Vice-Chairman. Dr. Edward M. Riley, Director of Research, Colonial Williamsburg, Incorporated, Williamsburg, was selected as Special Consultant to the Committee. John B. Boatwright, Jr. and Robert L. Masden were appointed Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Committee.

The Committee met on several occasions and considered various means of appropriately commemorating this most significant period of Virginia's and our Nation's history. After due publicity the Committee held a public hearing to receive suggestions and recommendations from all interested individuals, groups and organizations. The Committee carefully considered the suggestions presented to it, and made its report to the Council. The Council has reviewed the Committee's report, and submits its report as follows.