Friday Afternoon at Fort Ward

Friday Afternoon at Fort Ward

December 12, 2010 8:41:10 AM

I wanted to share some news with you about what took place at Fort Ward on Friday.  The City's archaeological contractors were digging within the areas of known graves and sites that the Ground Penetrating Radar had identified near the entrance to the maintenance yard.  Fran Bromberg and Steve Sheperd, from OHA, were on site as well.  Evidently Dave Sachs from the Alexandria Times had called OHA and indicated that he wanted to visit the work area.  Word of his visit traveled quickly and a number of us, including myself, Tom Fulton, Lance Mallamo, and Adrienne Washington came out to talk with Mr. Dave Sachs.

The leaders of the Oakland Baptist Church, having heard of the Advisory Group discussions and report from Pam Cressey Thursday night, decided that they would visit the graves and have a prayer ceremony at the unmarked grave site where five people/ coffins were recently discovered by the contractors/ City.  Several of the church deacons and others came to the area where the work is underway arriving almost at the same time as Dave Sachs.

After some brief informal introductions and discussions with the contractors, the Oakland Baptist Church leaders gathered around the grave where the  people/ coffins were found.  The entire group gathered around as prayers were said and a song was sung.  It was both a very sad occasion as well as a spiritually uplifting one.  It was a very special ceremony for those of us who aren't members of the church.

Following the prayer ceremony the group walked into the maintenance yard to look at the uncovered grave and building sites.  Mr. Sachs spoke to Oakland Church leaders as well as Mr. Mallamo, Mr. Fulton, and the archaeologists.  He also spoke with Fran Terrell and Adrienne and asked if he could interview them following the gathering.

Mr. Sachs, who attended T.C. Williams High School, indicated that he expects to run a story in the Alexandria Times on Thursday December 16, 2010.

I have taken photos of the work that is underway and have attached a few of them.  The pictures of the graves where the people/ coffins are  obviously sensitive because we are unsure who is buried in these graves.  Please be sensitive in your use of the photo.

Work is scheduled to continue in the yards and possible at the Shorts homesite next week.  There will be a break for the holidays and then the contractors will resume work in early January 2011.

  

J. Glenn Eugster