WHEREAS, James L. Hicks, an honorable veteran, accomplished musician, and beloved member of the Northern Virginia community, died on April 8, 2021; and

WHEREAS, James Hicks graduated from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, in 1973, where he was a member of both the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and the school marching band; and

WHEREAS, after graduation, James Hicks enlisted in the United States Army and attended the United States Army School of Music; he would ultimately teach himself to play the fife and performed with the prestigious Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps for the majority of his 33-year military career; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a unique ensemble within the United States Army that pays homage to the musical stylings of the Continental Army, James Hicks performed before millions of people at hundreds of major events over the years, including presidential inaugurations, parades, and national sporting events; and

WHEREAS, James Hicks' involvement with the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps led to several prominent moments in the spotlight, including appearances in Ebony magazine and the film Gardens of Stone; he was notably the first or only African American in several ensembles he played with, helping to break down the color barrier for the benefit of countless future musicians; and

WHEREAS, James Hicks shared his musical gifts with the community as a performer and instructor with fife and drum corps in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, including the Patowmack Ancients Fife and Drum Corps of Arlington and the Monumental City Ancient Fife and Drum Corps of Baltimore, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, in his retirement, James Hicks gave generously of his time to myriad civic organizations, including the Dale City Civic Association and the Woodbridge Rotary Club, both of which he served as president; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout his life by his faith, James Hicks enjoyed worship and fellowship with his community at Beulah Baptist Church in Alexandria, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1987; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by his son, Christopher, James Hicks will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Surletha; his children, Kevin, Michael, and Stephanie, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of James L. Hicks, an esteemed veteran whose dedication to his country and his community was an inspiration to all who knew him; 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 James L. Hicks as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.