WHEREAS, for 40 years, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation has acquired, preserved, and protected lands, artifacts, and writings related to the Battle of Cedar Creek in the American Civil War; and

WHEREAS, the Battle of Cedar Creek took place on October 19, 1864, near Middletown in Frederick County and represented a significant turning point in the Civil War, with the Union victory rendering the Confederate Army largely ineffective in the Shenandoah Valley for the remainder of the war; and

WHEREAS, given its historical and cultural significance, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation seeks to protect the site of the battle, which includes an 18th-century homestead, the Heater House, from modern development; and

WHEREAS, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation manages a history museum, walking and hiking trails, and approximately 350 acres of battlefield, where visitors can learn about the Civil War and the history of the Shenandoah Valley or simply enjoy the area's beautiful natural landscape; and

WHEREAS, while Cedar Creek Battlefield is a frequent host of field trips and Scouting excursions, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation's living history programs, presentations, exhibits, and lectures are engaging and educational for people of all ages; and

WHEREAS, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation has fulfilled its mission to preserve the region's historical resources through the hard work and leadership of its board of directors and staff members, as well as the dedication of countless volunteers; and

WHEREAS, as a private nonprofit organization, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation accepts no state or federal funds and is supported entirely by memberships, grants, corporate sponsorships, event proceeds, gift shop sales, local partnerships, and generous donations; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation will host its 160th annual reenactment of the Battle of Cedar Creek, the largest military reenactment on the east coast, which generates thousands of dollars in tourism revenue for the region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation hereby be commended on the occasion of its 40th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the foundation's important mission to preserve the history and heritage of the Commonwealth.