VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA – Colonial History, D-Day and the Home, June 13-16 

Between the Indiana and Virginia conventions, we opted to take a few vacation days and tour the Colonial Williamsburg area.  We had a wonderful and relaxing time visiting Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.  We then drove leisurely across the state, stopping at Appomattox Court House, Lynchburg and finally finishing up with a 30-mile segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We arrived in Roanoke on Thursday and were met at the airport by Bob Goolrick, Senior Justice of the Grand Forum who took us to the hotel.  Upon our arrival, we were greeted by State Sponsor and PGER Ted Hess, Grand Trustee Ron and Nancy Hicks, State President Darryl and Karen Myers and Special Deputy Bob and Cheryl Hinkle.  After settling into our room, the ten of us went out for a casual dinner at a local Italian restaurant, Luigi’s.  Dinner was excellent and we all enjoyed ourselves very much.

Friday morning, we were picked up by the shuttle bus from the Elks National Home in Bedford for a tour of several special venues.  Our first stop was the Bedford Elks Lodge #2844.  Even though the lodge had just acquired the building and renovations are still being planned, they were proud of their new home and hosted a special ceremony attended by the Mayor of Bedford as well as the Elks dignitaries.  After leaving the lodge, we were taken to the National D-Day Memorial.  Neither Tom nor I realized that this Memorial was in Virginia and we were very impressed with the beautiful site.  We were told that the reason it was located in Bedford, Virginia is that Bedford lost more soldiers per capita during the D-Day invasion than any other city in the United States.  These young men became known as “The Bedford Boys.”  Privately funded, the Memorial is an amazing tribute to that eventful day of 1944.


After leaving the Memorial, we headed for the Elks National Home.  Upon arriving, we were met by Pamela Mudder, the Executive Director of the Home.  Despite previous invitations, circumstances had prevented us from visiting the home prior to this and we were very excited to see this important part of Elks history.  Pam took us on a tour of various buildings and several residents were gracious enough to open up their homes to us.  The Home even has its own Lodge!  We were treated to a wonderful lunch in the dining room and had time to visit with some of the folks.  We left with a warm feeling in our hearts for the love and care that was evident in the Home. 

Friday evening, we joined the Virginia Elks Past State Presidents at the Roanoke Elks Lodge #197 for a wonderful steak dinner.  The Lodge was also hosting and adult swim night and BBQ around their pool that evening, so we had a chance to visit with some of their members and guests before we returned to the hotel for the evening.


Saturday morning, Tom joined Ted and Darryl for the opening of the business sessions.  Venita met up with the ladies for the Ladies Breakfast and Purse Auction.  Several “filled” purses had been donated by Virginia ladies, and First Lady Karen had decided that the proceeds would go to the Virginia State Wounded Warriors Project.  Since only a hint was given with regard to what was in each purse, it was quite a lively auction and there were many surprises when the purses were actually opened.  When all was said and done, between the auction and spontaneous donations, the ladies raised almost $800 for Wounded Warriors.  The ladies presented Venita with a Virginia t-shirt and a quilt block for her memory quilt.  After the breakfast, the ladies joined the men for the Memorial Service and presentation of the Elks Scholarship Award winners.  This was followed by lunch with all of the students and their parents.  We had a wonderful time visiting with two of the winners and came away encouraged by their positive outlook and plans for the future.

Saturday afternoon Tom spent time visiting with the Virginia Elks at the four district hospitality suites.  That evening, we joined everyone for the formal banquet and installation of officers.  Tom spoke to the conferees about his vision and concern for the future of the Elks.  The Virginia Association then presented us with a tray and two beautiful silver Jefferson cups, appropriately engraved with our names and the date and location of the visit to Virginia as well as a book about the previously mentioned D-Day Bedford Boys.  We had the privilege of watching the new leadership of the Virginia Elks being installed and the passing of the gavel.  Finally, we joined Ted and others in the suite for some final social time before heading for bed.

We can’t tell “y’all” how much we enjoyed our time in the beautiful state of Virginia.  The Virginia Elks were all most gracious and, as usual, southern hospitality must be experienced to be believed.  Thank you to everyone who did so much to make us feel welcome.  Fair warning – we’ll be back!