WHEREAS, the Town of Blackstone, a historical town in Southside Virginia, celebrates the 125th anniversary of its establishment on February 23, 2013; and

WHEREAS, incorporated on February 23, 1888, Blackstone was named in honor of Sir William Blackstone, a noted English jurist, whose writings greatly influenced the legal and judicial framework of the United States; and

WHEREAS, built prior to 1790, the historic Schwartz Tavern in Blackstone is one of the oldest refurbished buildings in Southside Virginia; and

WHEREAS, since the construction of Fort Pickett in 1942, Blackstone has played a vital role in supporting the United States Armed Forces; more than one million men are said to have trained at Fort Pickett during World War II before deploying to Europe to help defeat Nazi Germany; and

WHEREAS, Blackstone enjoys good relations with Fort Pickett, which became the home of the Virginia Army National Guard headquarters, also known as the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Blackstone is the home of the Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center, a conference and retreat destination that brings thousands of visitors to the town annually; and

WHEREAS, Blackstone is also home to the Blackstone Family Practice Center, which has trained hundreds of family physicians and prepared them for service in rural areas with limited access to medical care; and

WHEREAS, Blackstone is known throughout the region for its variety of popular dining establishments and its revitalized, attractive downtown; and

WHEREAS, Blackstone is blessed with dedicated town employees and an informed, engaged, and spirited citizenry; many residents of Blackstone have gone on to enjoy successful careers in education, law, medicine, and many other professional endeavors; and

WHEREAS, in recent years, the energy and passion of new Blackstone residents have inspired continued civic involvement and contributions from many of the town's natives and longtime residents, ensuring that the best is yet to come for the town; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Town of Blackstone on the occasion of its 125th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William D. Coleburn, the mayor of the Town of Blackstone, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the town's long, storied history and many contributions to the Commonwealth.