HD14 - 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Birth of Robert E. Lee


    Executive Summary:
    The 2005 General Assembly adopted House Joint Resolution 710 and Senate Joint Resolution 382, creating the Robert E. Lee Memorial Commission of the Commonwealth, a joint subcommittee created to plan and coordinate the 200th anniversary celebration of the birth of Robert E. Lee in 2007. Delegate Benjamin L. Cline and Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. serve as co-chairman of the Commission. Other members include Delegate Robert Hurt, Delegate Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr., Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr., Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr., and representatives from the Museum of the Confederacy, Washington and Lee University, Stratford Hall, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Daughters of the Confederacy, the Department of Education, the Virginia Tourism Authority, and the Department of Historic Resources.

    The Commission held three meetings during the 2005 Interim to begin planning and coordinating events to commemorate Lee's 200th birthday. The Commission received a presentation from the Honorable Harry L. Carrico concerning the planning of the recent commemoration of the 250th birthday of John Marshall. The Commission also heard from the Virginia Historical Society concerning a planning Lee-Grant exhibit, and the National Park Service concerning plans at Arlington House. The Commission held one of its meetings at Washington and Lee University, where it had the opportunity to learn about Lee's contributions to education. The Commission hopes to hold future meetings at other locations relevant to Lee's life and contributions to Virginia.

    The Commission decided that its overall goal should be to assist in coordinating and promoting activities of various entities around the Commonwealth related to the celebration of Lee's birthday, and to focus on the development of educational programs. The Commission established three subcommittees to discuss and develop ideas: special events, education, and tourism/promotion.

    The Commission plans to hold a press conference on January 19, 2007 at the Lee House in Richmond to commemorate Lee's 199th birthday, and to announce the development of plans and activities in 2007. The Commission will continue its work in 2006.

    There will be no further report issued at this time.