George Banks is well deserving of street renaming honor

Photo of Mayor George E. Banks, 1996-2000, on the wall in ‘Mayors Row’ of Town Hall meeting room. Royal Examiner Photos by Roger Bianchini

To the Editor:

Longtime residents of Front Royal pride themselves on knowing the names of our streets, from the main thoroughfares to those less traveled. I believe this is why the prospect of changing street names has garnered so much attention in our community.

George Banks is remarkable, both as a private man and a public figure. My first memory of him was when he gave remarks at the opening day ceremony for the Front Royal Little League in the late 1990s – when he was serving as the Mayor of Front Royal.

Since then I regularly saw George along his school bus route. He always made time to speak with me about life, kids, our Christian faith, the weather, you name it. On several occasions I witnessed him befriending troubled students and challenging them to reexamine their life choices.

Many Front Royal residents take delight in sharing stories about The Banks. Most people who know them consider them family and love them accordingly. One of the most surefire ways I’ve made friends in this community is to simply say, “George Banks is my friend,” to which many respond, “Mine too.”

George deserves special recognition for his character and his public service. No national politician has cared for this community like George has. This town, as an institution, may not canonize individuals. If we did, though, George Banks would undoubtedly be part of our pantheon.

I can’t think of a more caring, humble, dignified, gracious person who would deserve to have one of our streets renamed in his honor.

Respectfully,

Zach Logan
Front Royal, Virginia