Last week, Loudoun Office Shareholder Randy Minchew was invited to appear before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources, Federal Lands Subcommittee to provide testimony in support of H.R. 6210, filed by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), to designate the General George C. Marshall Home, also known as Dodona Manor, in the Town of Leesburg as an affiliated area on the National Park Service (NPS). General Marshall served our nation in many respects during the 20th Century, as chief aide to General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I, as United States Army Chief of Staff in World War II, and as Nobel Peace Prize-winning Secretary of State following World War II where he won approval for the European Recovery Program (also known as the Marshall Plan). Dodona Manor was the only home General Marshall and his wife Katherine ever owned. Affiliation with the NPS will allow for the General George C. Marshall Home to be referenced, advertised, and promoted as a contributing element of the NPS and help secure the continued preservation and historical appreciation of the home of the individual British Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the “true organizer of victory” for the Allies in World War II.
As an affiliated area, Dodona Manor would gain access to the NPS’s extensive technical resources, preservation expertise, and branded graphics. Randy has served on the Board of Directors of the George C. Marshall International Center for many years and is currently leading the effort at the Center to establish a museum and conference facility on the property in Downtown Leesburg. https://www.georgecmarshall.org/marshallcenter
In his testimony, Randy expressed the significance of this designation and as a member of the Board of Directors stated: “We are extremely proud of our efforts to restore and preserve the home of one of our nation’s most important leaders, and we believe that NPS designation would bolster our efforts and serve as a fitting honor for a great American.”
Minchew also highlighted the broader impact of the bill, noting, “At a time in our history when political unity is elusive on so many matters, this bill also sends a clear message that Americans remain united in our commitment to service, honor, and a vigorous defense of our constitutional values – ideas that were central to General Marshall’s career.”
During their time together serving Loudoun County and the Town of Leesburg in the Virginia General Assembly, Minchew as a Republican Delegate and Wexton as a Democratic Senator, the two worked closely together on many items of legislation and were considered by many Virginia political observers to be the most bipartisan duo in Richmond.
H.R. 6210 was favorably reported by the Subcommittee on Federal Lands and will proceed the full Natural Resources Committee in September and to the House Floor in October. To watch the full committee hearing, click the link HERE. Randy’s testimony begins at 27:18.
