Senior statesman recognized by United Black Veterans Society
by S. Rotan Hale
During the last 2019 session held, Monday, Dec. 16, City Council Members joined United Black Veterans Society of VA in honoring Senator John S. Edwards as one of the most accomplished personalities in Virginia’s political and civic arenas.
Simply put, Edwards is a champion for all citizens, regardless to race, creed, color or economic status. For many years he’s been a soldier on the front line of justice and his knowledge of Black history, regarding civil rights is astonishing as well.
Mayor Sherman Lea took special honor in heading the presentation that opened with reading an abbreviated version of Edwards’ incredible and lengthy list of accomplishments. The mayor closed his remarks presenting Edwards with the City’s Distinguished Service Medallion.
“Edwards, a ‘62 graduate of Patrick Henry HS, was president of the Student Government Assoc. and who new he was a champion pole-vaulter, inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame?
After graduating from Princeton Univ. he studied religion at two theological seminaries prior to graduating from UVA’s School of Law.
He served as a captain in the Marine Corps and volunteered for the First Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa and later with the Second Marine Division at Camp LeJeune, NC.
Shifting to Edwards’ distinguished law career, Lea mentioned that President Jimmy Carter who in 1980 appointed Edwards United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
In that position Edwards “prosecuted the largest criminal case in the country.” Most significant was the fact that Edwards prosecuted the first criminal civil rights case in Virginia and prosecuted the largest bank robbery in Virginia history.
Edwards is a partner in his law firm that has handled many appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. Politically he once served a term as vice-mayor (1994–1998), and has reined an unbeatable force having been re-elected to five consecutive four-year terms in the Virginia Senate representing the 21st District from 1999 – 2019.
The number of boards, committees and programs he’s served on and chaired (not to mention awards he’s received) is staggering and during his comments he said retirement was not in the picture.
Speaking for United Black Veterans Society of VA was Commander Deborah Saunders who spoke of Edwards as being instrumental in the establishment of Roanoke Higher Education Center and the return of passenger railway service to the area.
Flanked by comrades Debbie Jordan, Vice-CDR and UBVS Chaplain Robert Miller, Saunders praised the esteemed veteran and senator for his public service and military career as they presented him with a certificate, a letter of commendation and a medal.
A congratulatory letter from U.S. Senator Tim Cain was read by his Regional Director Gwen Mason, stating: “Virginia was fortunate to have Edwards in its ranks–a sentiment shared by many in the chamber who came in support.
“I’ve always been proud to have served in the Marine Corps and proud to be a veteran,” Edwards said opening his acceptance speech. “There is nothing more important for a person to serve their community and their country and I’ve always been proud to have had that opportunity.”
Making a surprise appearance was Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax who drove in from Richmond for the occasion.
“John Edwards is a man of distinction and someone I’m proud to serve with in the state of Virginia,” said Fairfax who referred to the senator as his friend. Fairfax read a decree officially recognizing Edwards’ “lifetime of contributions and good work.” The statement closed referring to Edwards as a “true American hero!”
The ceremony was built upon the greatness of a seasoned veteran who’s an accomplished statesman of true character. It is one most befitting of the honorable John S. Edwards.
