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Issue 140

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Prince William County

Dear Neighbors,


According to the 2020 Census, Prince William County has over 42,000 Veterans. These brave and selfless men and women, along with their families, are a vital part of our community. I am incredibly grateful they have chosen Prince William County as their home.


It was a privilege to be part of Prince William County's 2nd annual Veterans Ceremony today honoring them. Particularly moving, was the Wreath Presentation by the County's Veterans Commission, was created and established on January 12, 2021.


The first section of this issue is devoted to Veterans Day. In addition to learning about its history, it has several Veterans themed events happening this weekend. You can find photos from this morning's ceremony, including the Wreath Presentation, in the Chair's Calendar section.


In Service,

Chair Ann Wheeler


Origins of Veterans Day

Armistice Day

An armistice is a formal agreement between warring parties to stop fighting. On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 am, the final armistice that ended fighting on land, sea, and air in World War I, went into effect. President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day the following year on November 11, 1919. Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. Congress declared it a national holiday in 1938, and signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Just a few years before war broke out in Europe.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and November 11

Arlington National Cemetery states that when WWI ended, both the United Kingdom and France prohibited repatriation, which is the return of its citizens' remains. As a recognition of those lost in the War, on November 11, 1920, Armistice Day, England repatriated and buried an Unknown Soldier inside Westminster Abbey and France repatriated and buried an Unknown Soldier at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe. In December 1920, New York Congressman and World War I veteran Hamilton Fish Jr. proposed legislation that provided for the interment of one unknown American soldier at a special tomb to be built in Arlington National Cemetery. 

In the United States

November 9, 1921, America's Unknown Soldier was brought to the U.S. Capital, the 11th person to have "lain in state" in the rotunda. On November 10, 1921, by 8:00 am, the Capital Police estimated between 90,000 to 95,000 people had already passed through the rotunda. November 11, 1921, the Unknown Soldier was carried in a procession through Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River to Arlington National Cemetery, and interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. See the Associated Press photos and detailed reports of these days here and learn more about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier here.

Becoming Veterans Day

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs states that the first Veterans Day celebration was in Birmingham, Alabama, November 11, 1947, the Armistice Day federal holiday at the time. Organized by World War II veteran, Raymond Weeks, it included a parade and other festivities to honor all veterans. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President ronald Reagan on November 11, 1982. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Congress passed it in 1954 and it was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Decision Reversed

In 1968, Congress passed an act that moved several federal holidays to mondays, including moving Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans and Congress passed a bill redesignating Veterans Day as November 11. In 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed into law the returned the annual observance to its original date of November 11th, beginning in 1978.

Veterans Events this Weekend

2022 National Veterans Day Observance

The 69th annual National Veterans Day Observance, honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces during war and peacetime, will take place on Friday, November 11, starting at 11:00 am at Arlington National Cemetery. The observance will also be live-streamed here. A prelude by The United States Navy Band and Sea Chanters will begin in the Memorial Amphitheater at 10:30 am.

Family Day

Saturday, November 12, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the National Museum of the Marine Corps' is honoring veterans. The November Family Day will focus on learning about the history of Veterans Day through different crafts and activities. This event is free and open to the public. The Museum hosts Family Day the second Saturday of every month.

Concert

Saturday, November 12, at 8:00 pm, the Hylton Performing Arts Center Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra’s “Salute to the Military” concert will feature music from the Jazz Age and eras of World War I and World War II. Highlights will include a medley of songs from the Andrews Sisters, such as “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” as well as iconic hits like “Sentimental Journey.” Partnering for the eventing are vocalist Dr. Darden Purcell, George Mason University Director of Jazz Studies and Jazz Voice, and Founder, Artistic Director, and virtuoso saxophonist Jim Carroll and his Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. The concert is free for Veterans and Servicemembers with ID. Up to 2 tickets each can be claimed in-person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office.


Chair's Calendar

Honoring Those Who Served

Thursday, November 10, Chair Wheeler participated in PWC's 2nd annual Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Chair Wheeler, Neasbco Magisterial District Supervisor and Veteran Victor Angry (bottom center photo), and PWC Veterans Commission Chair Tom Gordy (bottom right photo) made remarks during the ceremony. 

Launch

Wednesday, November 9, Chair Wheeler attended Dimension Renewable Energy (DRE) and Community Housing Partners (CHP) launch event of Virginia’s first community solar project. DRE’s innovative partnership with CHP will provide low-cost, clean power to low-income households across Virginia. 

PWC is viewed as a desirable location for solar projects due to the County’s electrical infrastructure and geography. On average, over 20 solar energy project plans are approved each month. In the past five years, solar energy contractors in PWC have increased from eight to eighty. The PWC Department of Development Services' Residential Solar webpage has valuable information and resources if you are considering solar energy for your home or would just like to learn more.


BOCS
Next Meeting

Tuesday, November 22

2:00 pm and 7:30 pm


Links to the agenda and to register to participate in Public Comment Time remotely will be shared in issue prior to the meeting.


County News

Reminder - Holiday Closings

Friday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day:

  • Government Offices, including the courts will be closed. 
  • Libraries will be closed. 

The County Landfill and Balls Ford Road Compost Facility will be open normal Friday operating hours of 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Survey Results

The Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance has shared the results of a new Regional Transportation Survey sponsored by the Northern Virginia Transportation Coalition, a group of 25 business organizations from Virginia, Maryland, and DC. When asked an open-ended question about the biggest long-term challenge facing the region, transportation was the top response at 26%, followed by inflation and cost of living at 14%, and public safety at 12%.


The OpinionWorks survey also gauged how area residents prioritize different transportation benefits. While 76% said climate change should be a factor in transportation decision-making, climate ranked 4th as a top priority behind improving travel times, equity, and safety. Additionally, nearly 40% of area residents said they would consider leaving the region if transportation does not improve in the next five years. You can read the survey results report here.

Scouting for Food

Saturday, November 12, the Boy Scouts of America is hosting its annual food-collection initiative, Scouting For Food, The Prince William District will be collecting non-perishable food at five locations for donation to three local food banks, ACTS, Haymarket Food Pantry, and Northern Virginia Family Service.

Donation locations for ACTS:

  • 3900 Acts Lane in Dumfries, 9:30 am to 3 pm
  • Tacketts Mill, Corner of Old Bridge Road and Minnieville Road in Lake Ridge, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Cheshire Station, Corner of Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road in Dale City, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm


Donation location for Haymarket Regional Food Pantry

7669 Limestone Drive #105 in Gainesville, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm


Donation location for Northern Virginia Family Service

10056 Dean Drive in Manassas, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Farmers Markets Winding Down

The PWC Farmers Markets will soon be closing for the 2022 season.

Open Sundays

Last day of this season

November 27, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Open Thursdays

Last day of this season

November 17, 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Dale City Winter Market will be open on Sundays, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, December 4 through Sunday March 26.

Accepting Nominations

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2023 Business Awards. The award categories are Excellence in Small Business, Emerging Business, Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year, and Community Outreach. Additionally, the two new industry awards are Government Contracting Company of the Year and Veterned Owned Company of the Year. You can read the award criteria for the awards here. The Chamber is accepting nominations here through Friday, December 16.

Reminder - Recycles Day

America Recycles Day in PWC (issue138), and across the nation, is Tuesday, November 15. Participate in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments "I Recycle" pledge contest to win prizes. County staff and Keep Prince William Beautiful volunteers will be at Bull Run Regional Library on Tuesday, November 15 and Chinn Park Regional Library on Wednesday, November 16from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to discuss recycling and the pledge.


COVID-19

How to Get Vaccinated (including boosters):

How to get tested:

Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 482,000 residents. 
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