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2011 SESSION

11105166D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 862
Offered February 11, 2011
Commending James I. Robertson, Jr.
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Patrons-- Nutter, Abbitt, Abbott, Albo, Alexander, Anderson, Armstrong, Athey, BaCote, Barlow, Bell, Richard P., Bell, Robert B., Bulova, Carr, Carrico, Cline, Cole, Comstock, Cosgrove, Cox, J.A., Cox, M.K., Crockett-Stark, Dance, Ebbin, Edmunds, Englin, Filler-Corn, Garrett, Gilbert, Greason, Habeeb, Herring, Hope, Howell, A.T., Howell, W.J., Hugo, Iaquinto, Ingram, James, Janis, Joannou, Johnson, Jones, Keam, Kilgore, Knight, Kory, Landes, LeMunyon, Lewis, Lingamfelter, Loupassi, Marshall, D.W., Marshall, R.G., May, McClellan, McQuinn, Merricks, Miller, P.J., Morefield, Morgan, Morrissey, O'Bannon, Oder, Orrock, Peace, Phillips, Plum, Pogge, Poindexter, Pollard, Purkey, Putney, Robinson, Rust, Scott, E.T., Scott, J.M., Sherwood, Shuler, Sickles, Spruill, Stolle, Surovell, Tata, Torian, Toscano, Tyler, Villanueva, Ward, Ware, O., Ware, R.L., Watts, Wilt and Wright; Senators: Barker, Blevins, Deeds, Edwards, Herring, Marsden, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Obenshain, Puckett, Quayle, Reynolds, Ruff, Smith, Stanley, Stuart, Ticer, Vogel, Wagner and Watkins
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WHEREAS, James I. Robertson, Jr., a renowned historian who has brought the Civil War to life for thousands of students at Virginia Tech while educating millions of others through his books, television appearances, and public service, will retire after a distinguished 43-year teaching career; and

WHEREAS, a native of Danville, James “Bud” Robertson grew up listening to stories of his great-grandfather’s exploits during the Civil War, which fueled his interest in further study of that riveting time in American history; and

WHEREAS, Bud Robertson earned a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College, which was soon followed by a master’s degree and doctorate from Emory University; he would later receive two honorary degrees; and

WHEREAS, as the nation observed the centennial of the Civil War, President John F. Kennedy called upon Dr. Robertson to offer a fresh approach to the commemoration; the young historian worked with 34 state and 100 local centennial commissions as director to create a memorable national observance; and

WHEREAS, in 1967 Dr. Robertson accepted a position at Virginia Tech and went to work building an impressive collection of Civil War materials that included the service records of all Virginia Confederate soldiers, Civil War monographs, and thousands of books; and

WHEREAS, an award-winning scholar, Dr. Robertson has authored or edited over 20 books on the Civil War, including a biography of General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson that was the foundation for the hit movie Gods and Generals, for which he served as historical consultant; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robertson’s extensive knowledge and ability to engage his audience has made him a favorite on Civil War programs on the Arts & Entertainment Network, the History Channel, and C-SPAN; and

WHEREAS, as the sesquicentennial of the Civil War approached, Dr. Robertson was called upon again, serving as a charter member of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and now on its executive committee; and

WHEREAS, in preparation of the observance of the sesquicentennial, Dr. Robertson served as executive producer of the Emmy-nominated DVD set, “Virginia in the Civil War: A Sesquicentennial Remembrance”; the first 3,000 copies were distributed free of charge to every school and library in the Commonwealth, helping educate a new generation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robertson will chair the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission’s 2011 Signature Conference “Military Strategy in the American Civil War” on May 21, 2011; and

WHEREAS, first and foremost throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Robertson has been an educator, sharing his vast wealth of knowledge with others so that they may better understand the Civil War and its impact on the nation’s social, economic, and political systems; and

WHEREAS, a beloved professor at Virginia Tech, Dr. Robertson was the C.P. “Sally” Miles Professor of History from 1976 until his appointment as the Alumni Distinguished Professor in 1992, an honor that he greatly esteems; he also currently serves as the Executive Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies; and

WHEREAS, a passionate and informed educator, Dr. Robertson teaches the largest Civil War history class in American higher education with an average of 300 students per semester; it is estimated that he has taught Civil War history to almost 22,000 Hokies; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Robertson has received numerous awards and accolades over the years for his many contributions to the field of Civil War history and for his ability to inspire and encourage his students; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend James I. Robertson, Jr., distinguished professor and Civil War historian, for his considerable contributions to Civil War history on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James I. Robertson, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations, appreciation for his service to the Commonwealth, and best wishes in his future endeavors.