Virginia not shy on history

By The Daily Progress

Published: October 15, 2008

We just finished commemorating — in many ways are still commemorating — the founding of Virginia, and the nation, with this year’s Jamestown Quadricentennial.

And now it’s time to recognize another milestone in history.
Four hundred years ago, the first English pioneers to succeed in establishing a permanent settlement in the New World set foot on Virginia soil. A three-day event last May, featuring Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain and other dignitaries, served as the pinnacle of an 18-month effort to remember and re-evaluate the Jamestown experience. In Virginia’s historic triangle, as the event’s official Web site says, “democracy, free enterprise and cultural diversity all took root,” and there three cultures — European, Native American and African — “forged lasting relationships that continue to shape our lives … and define us as Americans.”
Indeed, it was the shape of those relationships that laid the groundwork for the next big event on Virginia’s horizon — the Civil War in 1861, and soon its remembrance beginning in 2011.

Virginia is leading other states, and the nation, in preparation for this commemoration. That is to be expected: With more than 60 percent of the war’s battles fought in this commonwealth, Virginia has plenty of reason to take the anniversary seriously and begin planning for it soon.
But some observers say that it’s not just a case of Virginia being ahead of others in planning, but rather that others are behind. It has been suggested that because of the still lingering disagreements over the war and cultural wounds regarding race relations, other states and Congress may be uncertain of how to recognize such a divisive event in our history.

Virginia faced similar concerns with the Jamestown commemoration. One example: The description of the event was changed to “commemoration” from “celebration” because Virginia’s tribes pointed out that there was nothing for them to celebrate. Some native peoples refused to participate in the event under any name.
African-Americans are a far larger proportion of Virginia’s population today than native Americans, and for that reason if no other have a stronger voice in state affairs.
The damage of slavery, and its role in the Civil War, will doubtless be central — even controversial — in any recognition of that conflict.
Virginia has a responsibility to treat its next commemoration in a manner that is respectful, inclusive and impartial. Any look back at this tragic period must be sensitive, but unflinching.

Virginia has not flinched from addressing the 150th anniversary of the war. In that sense, too — in its willingness to accept the responsibility of remembrance — Virginia may be ahead of its peers.