Bill Text: VA SJR39 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Paul Edward Akers.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2014-01-17 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ39ER) [SJR39 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2014-SJR39-Enrolled.html

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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 39 Celebrating the life of Paul Edward Akers.   Agreed to by the Senate, January 9, 2014 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 17, 2014  

WHEREAS, Paul Edward Akers, the highly respected editorial page editor of Fredericksburg's Free Lance-Star, died on September 20, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a native of West Virginia, Paul Akers attended Marshall University and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and continued his military service as a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1975 until 1997; and

WHEREAS, a gifted writer, Paul Akers worked as a reporter and editor for several papers, including the 80th Infantry Division newspaper, and served as a senior writer for The Heritage Foundation before joining Fredericksburg's Free Lance-Star in 1998; and

WHEREAS, as the editorial page editor, Paul Akers offered readers insightful commentary about the leading issues of the day while ensuring that other viewpoints were well represented; and

WHEREAS, a true gentleman, Paul Akers was known for his respect toward those with whom he disagreed, his sense of humor, and his common sense approach; and

WHEREAS, Paul Akers was a member of St. Luke's Anglican Church in Fredericksburg and was a strong supporter of the YMCA Indian Princesses program; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to journalistic excellence and the well-being of his fellow residents, Paul Akers made many contributions to his profession and the Fredericksburg community; and

WHEREAS, Paul Akers will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Karen; children, Emily and Katherine, and their families; stepchildren, Jenni and Joshua, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a dedicated journalist and admired member of the Fredericksburg community, Paul Edward Akers; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Paul Edward Akers as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.