Showing posts with label AmeriCorps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AmeriCorps. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Accepts 127 Acres of Hallowed Ground from Civil War Trust

~ Successful partnership between Virginia and Civil War Trust increases amount of protected land at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic and High Bridge Trail State Parks ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe presided over a ceremony at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, formally announcing and accepting the transfer of 127 acres of hallowed ground to the Commonwealth at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, located in Amelia and Prince Edward Counties, and High Bridge Trail State Park in Prince Edward County. 

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Through concerted efforts to preserve the Commonwealth’s battlefields and other historic treasures, this administration and its partners are creating a lasting legacy for present and future Virginians.  We will continue to work with nonprofit groups like the Civil War Trust to proactively preserve these irreplaceable resources, as we have done at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”

Molly Ward, Secretary of Natural Resources, and Mike Grainger, Chairman of the Board of the Civil War Trust joined McAuliffe at the new conference.  According to Grainger, “The Civil War Trust and Virginia have a long history of cooperation to ensure the state’s Civil War battlefields are protected, interpreted, and open for the public to enjoy.  We are pleased to transfer these acres to the care of the state park system.  It is our firm belief that Virginia is the best possible steward of these hallowed grounds.”

In her remarks, Secretary Ward called the Commonwealth’s participation in the project a fitting example of the Old Dominion’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding her plentiful historic and natural resources.  “Virginia is home to some of the most stirring places in America, including some of the nation’s significant Civil War battlefields.  The Virginia State Park System is honored to be entrusted with the care of these newly acquired properties at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Civil War Trust have been working together to protect hallowed ground at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield since 1996.  Due to this collaborative effort, 885 acres at Sailor’s Creek Historic Battlefield and 175 acres at High Bridge Trail have been protected. 


Friday, September 12, 2014

Governor McAuliffe ‘Day to Serve’ Proclamation

, Senator from Massachusetts.
, Senator from Massachusetts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
RICHMOND, VA - Governor McAuliffe released the following proclamation to recognize September 11th – 28th, 2014 as a “Day to Serve” in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

DAY TO SERVE

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to make an intentional and united effort to be of service to their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, approved by Congress and enacted into law on April 21, 2009, designated September 11 to be observed as an annual “National Day of Service and Remembrance”; and
WHEREAS, “Day to Serve” is an annual event that transcends political and religious differences to unite people of all faiths, races, cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds with a shared goal of helping those in need; and
WHEREAS,  between September 11–28, 2014, Virginians are encouraged to make a concerted effort to feed the hungry, clean up neighborhoods, and improve communities by recognizing and participating in “Day to Serve” activities; and
WHEREAS, the Corporation for National and Community Service is celebrating the 20 year anniversary of AmeriCorps through a “Year of Service” that will culminate on September 12, 2014, when all new AmeriCorps members will begin their service; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service will host its annual Volunteerism and Service Conference on September 11–12, 2014; and 
WHEREAS, on September 11, 2014, numerous service projects throughout Richmond will kick-off Virginia’s “Day to Serve” activities; and
WHEREAS, all citizens, faith groups, businesses, and community organizations are invited to support and participate in efforts to collect food, plant trees, clean up neighborhoods and parks, and address critical needs in their own backyards;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, do hereby recognize each day duringSeptember 11–28, 2014, as a DAY TO SERVE in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.