OUR VIEW: Tradition and history alive in Culpeper

Staff Editorial
Published: September 30, 2008

» SUMMARY: Tradition, history and a nod toward the future highlight recent contributions of people in our area.

For years Culpeper County High School has had the tradition of a “senior rock.” New senior class officers redecorate the rock to reflect their pride in CCHS.

The Blue Devil tradition continues, but with the class of 2009 now split between CCHS and the newly opened Eastern View, there was a need for a new rock.

Enter Luck Stone. The Culpeper quarry and gravel company has provided an eight-ton rock so Eastern View could begin its own yearly tradition. The company also provided a second, smaller, stone that will be a lasting memorial for the class of 2009 after the students graduate.

We commend Luck Stone for its community involvement and wish the classes of 2009 — at both local high schools — a memorable year.

***

MEMORABLE WORK: The maintenance crew at Culpeper National Cemetery has undertaken a monumental task — pun intended — with its current project of restoring the 28-foot-tall, century-old Pennsylvania Monument to fallen Civil War soldiers.

Terrie Smith, cemetery director here and at Ball’s Bluff, Staunton and Winchester national cemeteries, says she hopes the project will serve as an example for future restorations.

More than 100 names of Pennsylvania soldiers interred in the Culpeper cemetery during the 1860s are inscribed on a bronze panel on one side of the four-sided monument.
Although the War Between the States is long over, Culpeper remembers the toll on families from both sides.

***

BIG IMPROVEMENT: It’s good to have American Legion baseball back in Culpeper after a hiatus of several years. The baseball field at Post 330 is well-hidden, but also well maintained.

And now players will have it a little better when they practice, thanks to a well donated by Culpeper-based Riner Well Drilling.

The new water source — water was hauled in previously — will make possible easier watering, greener grass and thus a better playing surface.