WHEREAS, Eddie L. Radden, Jr., a distinguished community activist and civil servant who has nobly served the Commonwealth for more than two decades as a doorkeeper for the Virginia House of Delegates, retired in June 2024; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Radden grew up in the Blackwell neighborhood of Richmond during the times of segregation and is a graduate of the city's historic Maggie Walker High School; and

WHEREAS, a longtime civil rights activist and lifetime member of the NAACP, Eddie Radden met with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during one of his visits to Richmond and participated in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Radden spearheaded the establishment of the Parent Teacher Association at J.H. Blackwell Elementary School in Richmond and served as its president for two years, contributing to the success of many young people both in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS, in recent years, Eddie Radden played a pivotal role in securing improvements for the historically black Mount Olivet Cemetery in Richmond, helping to respect and preserve the legacy of the individuals who are interred there; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, Eddie Radden has provided spiritual counseling to an untold number of young people as a Sunday school superintendent; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his tireless advocacy and service with the NAACP Crusade for Voters, Eddie Radden was presented the NAACP President's Award by the Richmond Branch of the NAACP in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Radden joined the Virginia House of Delegates as a doorkeeper in 2001 and quickly earned the admiration and respect of his colleagues and the members for whom he served; and

WHEREAS, for the past two decades, Eddie Radden has upheld the honor and decorum of the institution for which he served with extraordinary care and professionalism; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Radden's positive and personable nature regularly provided an uplifting moment in many people's days and will be cherished by members and staff of the Virginia House of Delegates for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Eddie L. Radden, Jr., doorkeeper of the Virginia House of Delegates, hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Eddie L. Radden, Jr., as an expression of the Virginia House of Delegates' appreciation for his service and best wishes in his future endeavors.