Bill Text: VA HJR131 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Harry J. Parrish II.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-15 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ131ER) [HJR131 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR131-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Harry J. Parrish II, a dedicated public servant, demonstrated the utmost integrity and commitment to civic leadership as a longtime member of the Manassas City Council, including 12 years as mayor; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Manassas, Harry "Hal" J. Parrish II graduated from Osbourn High School, then earned a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and physics from the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Hal Parrish subsequently served the nation as a member of the United States Air Force and earned a master's degree in business management from Central Michigan University; and
WHEREAS, Hal Parrish returned to Manassas to help run the family business, Manassas Ice and Fuel; he was inspired to pursue a life of public service by his father, Harry Parrish, Sr., who was a former mayor of Manassas and member of the Virginia House of Delegates; and
WHEREAS, Hal Parrish was appointed to the Manassas City Council in 1993, then won election to his first full term in 1996; he was re-elected in 2000 and 2004 and served as vice mayor from 1999 to 2008; and
WHEREAS, Hal Parrish was elected mayor in May 2008 and won reelection in 2012 and 2016 before retiring from public office; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as mayor, Hal Parrish oversaw the replacement of Baldwin Elementary School, the transformation of Old Town Manassas into a thriving dining and shopping destination, and the development of Manassas Airport; and
WHEREAS, under Hal Parrish's leadership, Manassas welcomed new businesses to the area and launched a partnership with Prince William County and George Mason University to build the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Freedom Aquatic Center; and
WHEREAS, Hal Parrish also offered his expertise to the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and Prince William Hospital Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Hal Parrish further served the community as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, the Manassas Volunteer Fire Company, and the Kiwanis Club of Bull Run; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Harry J. Parrish II for his years of service in local government; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harry J. Parrish II as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his legacy of achievements on behalf of the residents of Manassas.
