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2012 SESSION

12100715D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 38
Offered January 11, 2012
Prefiled January 10, 2012
Celebrating the life of John Edward Byrne.
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Patron-- Puller
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WHEREAS, John Edward Byrne, the former director of the Office of the Federal Register who detailed his experiences as an “advance man” for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson in his memoir, died on November 17, 2011; and

WHEREAS, a native of New York, John “Jeb” Byrne proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Forces before receiving a journalism degree from Marquette University; he would later receive a master’s and doctoral degree from the George Washington University; and

WHEREAS, Jeb Byrne began his career in journalism as press secretary to Maine Governor Clinton Clauson before relocating to the Washington, D.C., area where he served as information director for the General Services Administration; and

WHEREAS, while information director, Jeb Byrne occasionally served as an “advance man” for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, traveling ahead to different locations to find appropriate hotels, plan motorcade routes, and organize the details of speaking events; and

WHEREAS, after moving to the National Archives and Records Administration, Jeb Byrne was eventually named director of the Office of the Federal Register, which compiles and maintains federal administrative regulations; and

WHEREAS, following his retirement in 1988, Jeb Byrne took an active role in the Mount Vernon community, raising awareness of the rich natural resources of the area and striving to preserve and protect open lands as parks; and

WHEREAS, known for his strong civic spirit, Jeb Byrne galvanized others in the community to become involved in the conservation of Dyke Marsh during his tenure as president of the Friends of Dyke Marsh; and

WHEREAS, Jeb Byrne remained active in retirement, studying press associations in New Zealand on a Fulbright scholarship, and at the age of 85, publishing his riveting memoir, Out in Front: Preparing the Way for JFK and LBJ, which gives readers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his experiences as an “advance man,” including the events of November 22, 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated; and

WHEREAS, a remarkable gentleman, hardworking public servant, published author, and dedicated conservationist, Jeb Byrne will be greatly missed by his wife of 60 years, Beverly; sons, Peter, Michael, David, and John, and their families; and many other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a dedicated public servant and esteemed citizen of the Commonwealth, John Edward Byrne; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of John Edward Byrne as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.