Bill Text: VA HJR173 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Russell Lee Scott.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ173ER) [HJR173 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HJR173-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Russell Lee Scott, heroic veteran and beloved member of the Richmond community, died on November 19, 2019; and
WHEREAS, born in Richmond on April 26, 1920, Russell Scott was beginning a career in the automotive industry when the start of World War II compelled him to serve his country and volunteer for the Army Air Corps; and
WHEREAS, trained as a B-25 tail-gunner in the 489th Bomb Squadron of the 340th Bombardment Group, Russell Scott flew his first mission off the island of Corsica on May 23, 1944; on his second mission two days later, he was shot down over Foggia, Italy, and broke his back upon impact, an injury from which he would never fully recover; once captured by German troops, he was held as a prisoner of war until May 1, 1945; and
WHEREAS, upon his return to the United States, Russell Scott received the Purple Heart and other medals for his courage and valor; he resumed his civilian life and had a productive career in the automotive industry for many years; and
WHEREAS, Russell Scott will be remembered as the longest serving volunteer at the Virginia War Memorial; for nearly 20 years he served as docent to visitors every Wednesday, sharing his wartime experiences with countless students and visitors; in 2016, in honor of his contributions, the Virginia War Memorial displayed a replica of his B-25 bomber, "Wabbit Twacks"; and
WHEREAS, several media profiles about Russell Scott were produced over the years in response to his moving story and inspiring life, including WCVE-TV's "Virginia Currents" program, WTVR-TV's "Heroes Among Us" program, WRIC-TV's "Reliving History" program, and several features in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and other publications; and
WHEREAS, always an active and engaged member of his community, Russell Scott volunteered for over 30 years at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond and with several local civic organizations, including over 65 years with Northside Masonic Lodge #292, more than 35 years with American Legion Post 244, and many years with the Denny Landrum Chapter of the American Ex-Prisoners of War; and
WHEREAS, inspired to serve others by his abiding faith, Russell Scott joined the Lakeside Baptist Church in 1954 and enjoyed fellowship and worship there for the rest of his life, holding several leadership positions, including fifty years as assistant treasurer; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by his wives, Madeline and Evelyn, Russell Scott will be dearly remembered and greatly missed by his stepchildren, Steve, Cindi, and Karen, especially his stepson in-law and buddy, Roddy Davoud, their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Russell Lee Scott, honored veteran and cherished member of the Richmond community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Russell Lee Scott as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
