PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL AS
CONFEDERATE HISTORY & HERITAGE MONTH IN HANOVER COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Whereas, in April 1861, the Commonwealth of Virginia, in order to retain her honor, exercised her Constitutional Right to secede from the Union.

Whereas, Virginia, known as the Mother of States and Statesmen, did not make this decision lightly but only after exhaustive efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the issues which divided Southern and Northern States failed.

Whereas, the sons of Hanover County, Virginia heeded the call of their Mother State, along with thousands from Virginia, to defend their country, their Commonwealth, their home and their family from an invading army.

Whereas, these brave Virginians of Hanover County fought in the Confederate Armed Forces alongside other men from across the South.

Whereas, these men sacrificed their all and spilled their blood defending the sacred soil of both Hanover County and Virginia.

Whereas, their sacrifices Hallowed the Grounds of Hanover County such as, Hanover Courthouse, Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Seven Days, First and Second Cold Harbor, Haw’s Shop/Enon Church, Peake’s Station, Beaverdam, Watt House, North Anna and many other battlefields.

Whereas, Richmond, Virginia, was the Capitol of the Confederate States of America and the wartime home of President Jefferson Davis and many Hanoverians protected and served this Capitol.

Whereas, we must never forget the sacrifices made by the women of the South, who with every ounce of their being supported their men in uniform, undertook the duties normally performed by men, and suffered along with their children, and other citizens untold horrors in a war torn land.

Whereas, "After four years of arduous service marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude," as General Robert E. Lee so eloquently wrote, the war for Southern Independence ended for the fabled Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865.

Whereas, the honorable blood of such brave Virginians from Hanover County such as Brigadier General Williams Carter Wickham, Captain William Latane, Edmund Ruffin and the thousands of known and unknown Heroes of Hanover County, Virginia flows through the veins of thousands of its’ citizens.

Whereas, it is the sworn duty and privilege of the leadership of Hanover County to encourage education within Hanover County, defend the good name of Hanover County, and to teach and promote the true history of the Hanover County to future generations.

Therefore, I do hereby order that from this day forward, the month of April will be celebrated as Confederate History and Heritage Month in the County of Hanover in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I call this observance to the attention of all citizens of Hanover County in the Commonwealth of Virginia.