Leesburg Nominated for World War II Heritage City Designation

In recognition of Leesburg’s contributions to the World War II effort, especially its historic ties to General George C. Marshall, Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk has presented to the National Park Service (NPS) a proposal to designate the Town of Leesburg as an American World War II Heritage City. The NPS program, which was established in 2019, empowers the Secretary of the Interior to honor just one city or region from each state for its contributions to the World War II effort and its continuing work to preserve its military history.

In her letter to NPS Director Charles F. Sams III, Mayor Burk noted that General Marshall "inspired generations of Leesburg residents" while organizing the Allied victory as Army Chief of Staff and through his historic role as architect of the European Recovery Program (or Marshall Plan).

In a letter of support, U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) wrote that “Dodona Manor serves as a time capsule, allowing visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a pivotal moment in our country’s history.” Wexton added that the Marshall Center’s ethical leadership programs help ensure that “the lessons and values of this remarkable time in history are carried on through the next generation of young leaders.”

Following a three-month review period, NPS Director Sams will forward nominations and recommendations for consideration and designation by the Secretary of the Interior.

October 4 Book Club: “Sea Power”

Zoom Discussion of “Sea Power” by Admiral James Stavridis this Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Noon

Join us on Wednesday, October 4 from Noon-1pm ET for a Zoom discussion of “Sea Power: The History and Geopolitics of the World’s Oceans” by Admiral James Stavridis.

At a World War II planning meeting, General Marshall reportedly pleaded with President Franklin Roosevelt – who had served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson – to stop referring to the Navy as “us” and the Army as “them.” While the good-natured remark received a laugh from Roosevelt, it also reflected Marshall’s commitment to joint leadership of the war and respect for the role of America’s “Sea Power” in that effort.

“From one of the most admired admirals of his generation - and the only admiral to serve as supreme allied commander at NATO - comes a remarkable voyage through the world's most important bodies of water, providing the story of naval power as a driver of human history and a crucial element in our current geopolitical path.”

“In Sea Power, Admiral Stavridis takes us with him on a tour of the world's oceans from the admiral's chair, showing us how the geography of the oceans has shaped the destinies of nations and how naval power has in a real sense made the world we live in today and will shape the world we live in tomorrow.”

“Not least, Sea Power is marvelous naval history … It is also a keen-eyed reckoning with the likely sites of our next major naval conflicts, particularly the Arctic Ocean, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the South China Sea.”

October 19 Foreign Policy Forum with Ambassador Victor Tomseth

“U.S. – Iran Relations, Past and Present”

Join us Thursday, October 19 from Noon-1 p.m. ET for a compelling Zoom discussion with Ambassador Victor Tomseth.

The veteran diplomat, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Laos from 1993-1996, has more than four decades experience dealing with international, national security and political-military affairs, including numerous senior positions with the U.S. Department of State. Tomseth was Deputy Chief of Mission in Tehran, Iran in 1979, when he became one of 52 Americans held hostage for 444 days following the seizure of the U.S. Embassy by Islamic militants.

Since retiring in 1996, Ambassador Tomseth has remained active in international affairs, serving with the rank of ambassador as the Senior Deputy Head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Mission to Croatia in 1998-99 and as the head of the OSCE’s Rapid Expert Assistance and Cooperation Teams task force in 2000. He currently works as an independent consultant for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s military exercise program.

Ambassador Tomseth has received numerous awards, including the Department of State’s Award for Valor and the Wilbur J. Carr Award, the American Foreign Service Association’s Award for outstanding contributions in the field of diplomacy, the President’s Award for Meritorious Service, and the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand presented by the King of Thailand for his contributions to U.S.-Thai relations.

Veterans Day at Dodona

Marshall Center to Co-Host Annual Veterans Day Commemoration on November 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Join us for our 19th annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. This event, cohosted by The George C. Marshall International Center, the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County, will take place on the grounds of George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor in historic Leesburg.

Brig. Gen. Adam C. Volant, Director of Operations for U.S. Army Information Warfare Command, will be our keynote speaker, reflecting on the meaning of the day and the remarkable contributions of veterans to our community. Vintage military vehicles will be on site for exploration, and Dodona Manor will be open for free tours.

Rain or shine. Free and open to the public (no RSVP necessary).

Parking is available at the Loudoun County Government Garage on Loudoun Street. Free transportation from the Loudoun County Government Garage to Dodona Manor is provided by Cartwheels. We recommend arriving early and parking by 9:30 a.m. to allow ample time to journey to the ceremony.

Thank You, Dodona Volunteers and Docents!

Junior Leaders Pitch In!

Loudoun County High JROTC Volunteers at Dodona

Over 50 members of the Junior ROTC from Loudoun County High School visited Dodona Manor earlier this month as part of their Cadet Training Week.

The cadets donated two hours of their time to help us prepare the grounds for fall by weeding and spreading wood chips. These junior leaders have now joined their battalion for the school year.

Thank you for your selfless service!