Alexandria, VA. Mayor Forum & Fort Ward’s Lost Graves October 2, 2012

Alexandria, VA. Mayor Forum & Fort Ward’s Lost Graves

October 2, 2012

Last night’s Mayoral and City Council Candidates’ Forum gave Alexandrians considerable insight to issues and opportunities within the city.  The Forum opened with the Mayoral Forum with Bill Euille and Andrew Macdonald who were asked a range of questions by a moderator from the Alexandria League of Women Voters.  No doubt others will report in detail about this long-awaited  and well attended exchange covering diverse topics of importance to all city residents.  However, one question gave the candidates a chance to talk about their views on Fort Ward’s lost graves.

The question posed to the candidates was: In the 1950’s and 60’s the city acquired land to create Fort Ward Park.  Public information shows that there are many unidentified graves in the park.  What do you think should be done to make sure that all of Fort Ward’s lost graves are found and treated with respect?

Bill Euille replied first indicating that the city has a program in place to find graves.  “There is $200,000 in the current budget for this work.  If more money is needed come back to City Council for more money”, said Euille.

Andrew Macdonald followed by acknowledging that the city has invested in this work.  “However the community is concerned that we need to continue the effort.  We have a rich, rich history and this a historic park.  There is a fear that we will try to jam things into the park”, said Macdonald.

Following the meeting current City Council members expressed interest in the status of the search for Fort Ward’s lost graves.