You may be a minority in your home community but in statewide and national elections every vote is very important. — That was one of the messages conveyed by Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine during a luncheon gathering on the outdoor deck patio of Vibrissa Beer and Kitchen in Front Royal’s Historic Downtown Business District Tuesday, June 11. Also appearing, and responding to questions along with Senator Kaine, was Democratic candidate Ken Mitchell, who will challenge Republican incumbent Ben Cline in Virginia’s Sixth District Congressional race this year.

The WC Democratic Committee promotional for Senator Tim Kaine and 6th State Congressional District challenger Ken Mitchell’s visit to Historic Downtown Front Royal. And we were informed the promised coffee was provided by Doppio Bunny Coffee – a little more caffeine on the side, please. Graphic courtesy WC Democratic Committee

And while every vote is important, it appears that for local Democrats that vote won’t come until the November general election. For as Warren County Democratic Committee Vice-Chair Jessica Reynolds explained to us, neither Mitchell or Kaine faces primary challenges from within the Democratic Party on June 18. However, five Republicans are vying to challenge Kaine for his U.S. Senate seat. They are: C.L. “Chuck” Smith Jr., Edward “Eddie” C. Garcia Jr., Hung Cao, Jonathan Emord, and Scott Thomas Parkinson.

Kaine stressed the importance of the coming national Presidential and Congressional elections as the very concept of our democratically based Constitutional Republic form of government seems to increasingly be at issue. That appears to be based on acceptance by some Republicans of Donald Trump’s claim that his recent Stormy Daniels hush-money payment, election-interference criminal jury trial and conviction in New York City was a politically manipulated fraud, as opposed to a trial based on legitimate evidence that would have brought any American citizen to trial before a jury of their peers, including an ex-president of the United States.

Describing his experience as a young man in Honduras when there was a non-elective dictatorship in place, Kaine said, “I was naive but at the end of the year I wasn’t naive. I was like, wow, dictators are real, authoritarians are real. You can’t just take for granted that you can vote because in Honduras when I lived there, you couldn’t vote. And people I lived with prayed for the day when they might be able to choose their leader. So, I came back in 1981 feeling like, okay now I’m not naive. I understand what’s out there in the world.

‘But I was still naive’

“But I was still naive, because I never would have thought that I’d see that same authoritarian impulse here in this country. And yet we’re seeing it all around the world, we’re seeing it in Hungary, in El Salvador, in the United States. The battle between democracy and authoritarianism is not like a settled issue. No, it is a live issue. And we are on the verge of celebrating 250 years as a nation in 2026. And the burden and responsiblility and opportunity has been placed on our shoulders to be a generation that revitalizes and then puts the functioning democracy we have at the time in the hands of our kids and grandkids.

Tim Kaine and Ken Mitchell, the latter speaking below, on the primary stump, but pointing for November with no primary challenges for either Democratic candidate on June 18. – Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

“And I believe we’re up to it, Virginians are up to it, I think Americans are up to it, and I think that’s why we’re going to be successful come November,” Kaine told his audience of Democrats and independent voters, drawing applause.

The Democratic candidates also faced some tough questions about the Biden Administration’s apparent support of Israel’s ongoing counter-attack on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip where they have been relocated as a stateless people with no military defense system, only a rogue, minority terrorist organization, Hamas, which claims, questionably many Palestinian might suggest, to act in the interest of Palestinians. Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel resulted in 1200 Israelis reported killed and 250 taken hostage. The consquent Israeli military actions, which still continue, are generally being defined internationally as a genocide, with Palestinian casualties estimated at least at 38,000, now approaching 40,000 or more. A woman questioning Kaine on the Israeli/Palestinian situation, cited 14,000 children among those Palestinian casualties.

The ‘situation’ in Gaza

“What you call a ‘situation’ in Gaza is more than 14,000 children killed. I have a 5-year-old. I see my kid in every one of those children,” she began emotionally, adding, “And I’m going to tell you, yes, talking about a two-state solution where Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace would help. But I don’t know if that would be enough for me to be able to vote Democratic on the ballot,” she said of the coming November election.

“I am completely conflicted because it’s the lesser of two evils, we are still supporting genocide. And how can you support and be behind people that have not yet put an end to this but have the power to do so?” she asked, apologizing for her nervousness. “But I had to be here to tell you this in person,” she added, pointing to frustration at seeing no result from “calling the White House, sending emails, going to protests.

“It is not enough when you’re seeing children just like my child that just had the privilege to be born in this country versus being born there. There’s nothing different between her and the children of Palestine,” she concluded, drawing applause from much of the audience.

Kaine did not back away from a meaningful exchange with a mother, pictured below, critical of the Biden Administration’s stance on the Israel/Palestinian Gaza situation. It is a ‘situation’ that has resulted in what has been reported at over 14,000 children killed, she said, of approaching 40,000 Palestinian deaths over the 8-month Israeli response to the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed 1200 Israelis, with another 250 kidnapped.

“And that’s true. I’ve spent time with hostage families who’ve had their loved ones kidnapped and brutalized,” Kaine began in response. “And I’ve spent time with Israelis who’ve lost families, and I’ve spent time with a lot of Palestinians. And Americans who’ve been in Palestine like doctors on medical missions who are coming back with heartbreaking accounts. It is just, it is heartbreak, it is absolute heartbreak,” Kaine said, adding the observation, “And the U.S. doesn’t have the complete ability to just change the situation in another part of the world. We have influence, we have leverage, more than most,” he admitted, adding, “And it’s taken too much leverage, frankly, for us to get Israel to up the pace of humanitarian aid …

“But Israel does have actors in the Middle East: Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, who want to wipe it out,” Senator Kaine observed of the multi-faceted Middle Eastern political chess board. However, the senator added, “That doesn’t excuse similar violence against Palestinians on the West Bank. That doesn’t excuse throttling humanitarian aid into Gaza. That doesn’t excuse indiscriminate activity that it might get somebody in Hamas, but also wipes out lots of civilians,” Kaine observed of what a majority of the UN Security Council nations appear to define as genocide of Palestinians in Israel’s response to the October 7 Hamas attack.

“And so, it’s very hard to figure out how do we stand to defend Israel at the same time leveraging what we hope would be better behavior” by Israel’s leadership, Kaine asked rhetorically of a situation he observed has been evolving problematically since 1948 in the wake of World War II and the West’s response to the Nazi holocaust of European Jews.

Kaine cautiously noted some developments over the past few days that gave him some hope for progress toward resolution of the now one-sided conflict moving into its eighth month of Israel’s reaction to the October 7 Hamas attack. However, in response to a related question from another person, Senator Kaine observed that from his past statements and actions, current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears not to favor the two-state solution that would establish a Palestinian nation that could coexist on equal terms with its neighbors, including Israel.

This reporter is reminded of the comment he read a number of years ago from an Israeli peace activist after the first three or four years of Netanyahu’s leadership and his treatment of Palestinians: “Israel is like the abused child who grows up to be the abuser,” she lamented.

With a world in escalating turmoil, welcome to national election year 2024 in America.

Hidden Springs Senior Living recently hosted a heartfelt commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This event was particularly significant as the senior living community is home to over 15 veterans, including the remarkable 104-year-old Frank Brandon. Daryl Davison, the owner of Hidden Springs Senior Living, opened the event with welcoming remarks. Dale Corey from the Society of the American Revolution’s Colonel James Wood II Chapter (SAR)  led the ceremony, with additional remarks from Lt. Col. Steve McLean.

The event began with resident Paul Fidishun playing the Star-Spangled Banner on his harmonica, setting a respectful and solemn tone. This song, written during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key, symbolizes the enduring spirit of American resilience and freedom. Corey provided a historical overview, tracing the journey from the Revolutionary War to D-Day, emphasizing the unyielding quest for liberty.

Corey then introduced Joan Grewe, a military veteran, who shared insights on women’s significant yet often overlooked contributions in the military. Joan’s journey began in 1974, a year after the Vietnam draft ended when the Army ROTC opened its doors to women. Her story underscored women’s vital roles, from the Revolutionary War to present-day conflicts, and the challenges they faced.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to women who have served, just as we do to the men,” Joan said, mentioning the famous figure of Molly Pitcher, who bravely took her husband’s place at a cannon during battle. These narratives remind us of the often unrecognized bravery of women throughout history.

Corey continued, focusing on the formidable German army during World War II and the strategic brilliance behind D-Day. He recounted the intricate planning and deception strategies employed by the Allies, such as the ghost army led by General George Patton, which misled German forces about the actual invasion site.

The highlight of the commemoration was a reading of General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s order to the Allied forces, a powerful message that encapsulated the gravity and significance of the mission. Eisenhower’s words, filled with confidence and determination, inspired the troops as they embarked on the greatest amphibious invasion in military history.

Members of SAR shared detailed accounts of the D-Day operation, describing the massive scale of the invasion, which involved 7,000 ships and over 195,000 naval personnel. The beaches of Normandy—Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword—became the battlegrounds where Allied forces, including troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other nations, fought valiantly.

The commemoration also included a poignant segment on the sacrifices made by the small town of Bedford, Virginia. Bedford, which had the highest per capita loss of any American community on D-Day, lost 19 of its sons in the first minutes of the invasion. The story of the Stevens brothers, twin soldiers from Bedford, highlighted the personal and profound losses endured by many families during the war.

Following Corey’s presentation, Lt. Col. Steve McLean took the stage to honor the veterans. He began by acknowledging the extraordinary life of Frank Brandon, who, at 104 years old, represents the living history of America’s greatest generation.

In his remarks, Lt. Col. McLean quoted from Eisenhower’s inaugural address, emphasizing, “The care of freedom is not long entrusted to the weak or the timid.” He highlighted the ongoing role of veterans in preserving freedom and the profound impact of their service.

“Patriotism is not confined to a gender. The love of this country is not confined to gender,” McLean said, recognizing both men and women veterans. He encouraged everyone to visit the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made on that fateful day.

The ceremony concluded with a reflection on the broader impact of D-Day. The successful invasion marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, leading to their eventual defeat on May 7, 1945. This victory, achieved through the bravery and sacrifice of countless soldiers, solidified the United States’ position as a global leader and protector of freedom.

As we honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we remember the immense bravery of those who fought and the enduring legacy of their sacrifice. Their courage and determination continue to inspire and remind us of the cost of freedom and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

On June 15, 2024, Warren County Habitat for Humanity will host its third annual Gospel Fest, a community event designed to unite local residents through music, faith, and fun activities. The festival will occur at the Gazebo in downtown Front Royal from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone.

The Gospel Fest, a brainchild of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity, aims to foster community spirit and highlight the organization’s faith-based mission. Andrea Ross, the director of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, and Shannon Roman, the faith liaison, emphasize the importance of such events in bringing the community together and showcasing the support and unity within the area.

“Our goal with Gospel Fest is to create a space where people from all walks of life can come together, enjoy great music, and celebrate our shared values,” said Andrea Ross. “It’s about community engagement and demonstrating the power of faith in bringing positive change.”

The festival will feature a diverse lineup of gospel music, including urban, contemporary, and Spanish gospel, with performers traveling from Richmond, Washington, D.C., and other areas. The music aims to uplift and inspire attendees, reflecting the event’s spirit. Shannon Roman, who is instrumental in organizing the Gospel Fest, shared her excitement about the variety of music and the participation of different churches.

“We invite many churches to join us because we believe in the power of unity in faith,” said Roman. “No matter your denomination, you’ll find a place here to celebrate and connect with others. It’s a beautiful representation of our community’s diversity and strength.”

In addition to music, the Gospel Fest will offer various activities for children, including a dedicated Kids’ Corner with games and face painting, ensuring that the event is family-friendly. Food vendors, including a popular pizza truck, will provide various dining options for attendees.

“We want to make sure there’s something for everyone,” said Ross. “Whether you’re here for the music, the food, or just to spend time with your family, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”

Habitat for Humanity will also use the event to raise awareness about their ongoing projects and initiatives. The organization is known for its work in building homes and revitalizing neighborhoods. Gospel Fest is an opportunity to engage with the community and garner support for future endeavors.

“This festival is not just about fun; it’s also about supporting our mission,” Ross explained. “We hope to receive donations and find new sponsors to help us continue our work. Every contribution makes a difference in helping families achieve stable housing.”

Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been particularly active in the Osage Street area, working on neighborhood revitalization projects. Ross highlighted the importance of these efforts in improving the community and providing affordable housing to those in need.

“When we build homes, we sell them at market value to ensure we’re enhancing, not diminishing, the neighborhood,” Ross said. “It’s all about creating lasting positive change.”

Volunteers are a crucial part of Habitat for Humanity’s operations, and the organization is always looking for more people to get involved. Roman noted that there are many ways to volunteer, not just through construction work.

“Volunteering with Habitat can take many forms,” she said. “From office work to helping organize events like Gospel Fest, there’s a role for everyone. We appreciate every bit of help we get.”

As the date approaches, the excitement for the third annual Gospel Fest continues to build. Ross, Roman, and the rest of the Warren County Habitat for Humanity team invite everyone for a day of music, fun, and community spirit.

“We’re thrilled to see how this event has grown over the years,” Ross said. “Each year, more people come out to support us, and it truly shows the strength and unity of our community. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone on June 15th.”

Town Talk is a series on the Royal Examiner where we will introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profit leaders, and political figures who influence Warren County. Topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have an idea topic or want to hear from someone in our community. Send your request to news@RoyalExaminer.com

Shenandoah National Park brings history to life with a new interactive web-based curriculum, “Life at Lewis Mountain: Shenandoah in the Jim Crow Era.” This special program will be showcased at Jenkins Hall at Laurel Ridge’s Luray-Page County Center on Thursday, June 6, at 6 p.m.

The event will feature presentations by Shenandoah National Park’s interpretive specialist, Claire Comer, and visual information specialist, Allysah Fox. They will discuss the development of this engaging curriculum, which delves into the history of Lewis Mountain Campground. This area, situated near mile marker 60 on Skyline Drive, was established for Black parkgoers during the segregation era and included a campground, picnic area, lodge, and cabins.

Lewis Mountain Campground is a significant part of the park’s history, representing the segregation and the subsequent efforts towards integration. Comer and Fox’s presentation will highlight the struggles between those advocating for an integrated park and those wanting to maintain segregation.

The curriculum is designed to be highly interactive and educational, featuring five short videos paired with follow-up activities aimed at upper-middle and high school students. These videos include many historical resources such as oral histories, letters, newspaper articles, and photographs from the Jim Crow era. The program can be accessed online at Shenandoah National Park’s website.

Creating this curriculum was a massive undertaking involving decades of research and collaboration. Significant contributions came from Audrey Tutt-Smith, a Lewis Mountain staff member from the 1950s, along with other staff and members of the Black community. Their efforts have ensured this important part of history is preserved and shared.

In addition to the online curriculum, visitors to Shenandoah National Park can learn more at the Big Meadows Visitors Center on Skyline Drive, which features interpretive information, including oral histories, about the segregation and integration of the park. Comer emphasized that while the exhibit is accessible online, in-person visiting provides a richer experience.

“That’s the best place to go in the park to get that story,” she said. “They can also explore that exhibit online without having to go. At Lewis Mountain, there’s a panel that explains the history of it. It’s still a working campground and lodge. There are multiple ways to learn the story, both in the park and virtually.

“We want to share all of our stories. We think that the existence of Lewis Mountain, the story of segregation and desegregation, is important for people to hear. There were a lot of local folks who worked there and made it a really fun and exciting destination for African Americans during that period. Also, it is just the struggle to end segregation. It’s a very interesting and very complex story.”

The June 6 event will also offer refreshments. Interested individuals can contact Claire Comer at 540-999-3500, ext. 3183, for more information. This program is an opportunity to learn about an important chapter in the history of Shenandoah National Park and the broader struggle for civil rights in America.

This weekend, the Ginkgo Grove at Blandy Experimental Farm will come alive with a unique, sound-based art installation called “Murmuration.” Created by Lee Weisert and Jonathon Kirk, this outdoor sound installation will be open to the public from 12:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, June 1st, and Sunday, June 2nd.

What is “Murmuration”? “Murmuration” uses robotic, wirelessly controlled mallets to strike woodblocks mounted on trees, creating an ever-changing percussive soundscape. These instruments are triggered by computer-generated algorithms that mimic natural processes, making for an immersive and organic auditory experience.

Important Information for Visitors:

• Location: Ginkgo Grove at Blandy Experimental Farm
• Time: 12:00-5:00 PM, Saturday, June 1st, and Sunday, June 2nd (weather permitting)
• Cost: Free!
• Parking: Park near the Quarters building and enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk to the Ginkgo Grove. Limited parking is available at the Ginkgo Grove.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at the Quarters building and Peetwood Pavilion.

Weather Advisory: The installation is weather-dependent and will be taken down if rain threatens to damage the electronics. As of Friday morning, rain is likely on Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience “Murmuration” at Blandy! For more details and to plan your visit, check out our website: Blandy Experimental Farm News.

We asked local co-sponsors Jim Justice (Chester Street Tavern) and “Skip” Rogers (Able Forces Foundation) for a perspective on their initial Salute to Service Memorial Day weekend event. It was a musically-anchored event in the Gazebo Village Commons Park area downtown, with a “hard opening” at 1 p.m. that gave Rogers time to return from his participation in the wreath laying at Malcolm Barr Sr.’s noon-launched Dog of War Garden ceremony at the Humane Society of Warren County Julia Wagner Animal Shelter.

“Our Inaugural Memorial Day ‘Salute To Service’ was an incredible day filled with remembrance of fallen heroes, community support, incredible music and food, and tremendous memories of being together with friends and family,” Rogers replied, adding a heartfelt, “God Bless all who participated and supported this wonderful community event for Front Royal. We look forward to next year”.

As do we, Skip, as do we.

Lay Minister Michael Williams gives his second benediction of the day during the 1 p.m. hard opening of Salute to Service, having done the same at the Dogs of War Memorial service at noon, as co-sponsor ‘Skip’ Rogers listens to right. Below, Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Sam Tate jams with friends Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies.

Co-sponsor Jim Justice of The Chester Street Tavern, which served as a musical staging and jamming area across from the park, asked that we acknowledge the full complement of sponsoring agencies, businesses, musicians, exhibitors, vendors, and individuals that made the above-described “community event” possible. We replied that if he had gone to the trouble to list them all, we would do our best to oblige. So, here they are:

“Our veteran support foundations: Skip and Kathy Rogers of Able Forces Foundation, and Chris Jacobson and team of Farmer Veteran Coalition.

“Our primary sponsors, including musicians: Sam Tate, The Hobo Mariners, Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies, Sally Mae Foster; and Gysea Soul; along with Moose Lodge, 4Js Farm and Brewery, Thru w/Therapy, Quecon Inc., Passage Creek Rising, Buckhead Farm, The Giving Tree, National Media Services.

Sam Tate did some solo performing Friday evening in co-sponsor Jim Justice’s Chester St. Tavern. Below, Tate with co-sponsors Rogers and Justice. ‘I hope tomorrow is as great as tonight,’ Tate told his audience at the end of his stellar Friday evening indoor presentation of his award-winning material.

“Exhibitors: the American Legion, Sons of the Revolutionary War, Honor Flight Top of Virginia, Virginia Department of Veteran Services; and our two veteran food vendors; brothers Rick Gardner (Carolina Dreamin) and Tim Gardner (Firestorm Pizza)

“To the contributing volunteers of Chester Street Tavern, including Deb Moyer, Suzanne Obetz, Hank Gorecki, and Shaireese Fletcher.

“Other local sponsors included: the Virginia Beer Museum, Malcolm Barr, Glenn Wood, Key Move Properties, and Farm Bureau Virginia, Royal Examiner, The River 95.3.

“And lest we forget the town staff, including Lizi Lewis, Scott Curry, and our local law enforcement officers,” Justice almost concluded. – Uh oh, do we really want to include this last one?!? – Well, he’ll probably write something bad about us if we edit him out, so why not? “And lastly, to our media master Roger Bianchini,” Justice finished with a nod our way.

Hey, just doing my job in alerting this community to what appeared to be, and was, an outstanding addition to Front Royal and Warren County’s Memorial Day weekend celebration, with a nod to our associate Malcolm Barr Sr. and his related story’s acknowledged co-conspirators Marine Lt. Col. Rob MacDougall, Able Forces “Skip” Rogers, among others in this community.

And a few more musical shots from the “Salute to Service” inaugural offering in memory of, not only our nation and community’s fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who survived and mourn those lost. Bless them all.

‘Captain Rich’ and Michelle of the Hobo Mariners helped keep the entertainment rolling as a Veterans Bikers club rolled in early in the afternoon.

And to make their point, Sunny Lane and the Dirty Hippies’ on their own, did an outstanding version of the Mama & Papas hippie-era song, ‘California Dreaming’ on such (a dirty hippies) winter’s night.’