Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 23, 1995 TAG: 9507240082
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUGAR GROVE LENGTH: Medium
An estimated 800 of them moved on shuttle buses and vans from Marion to the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Visitors' Center for a ceremony naming that center for Jennings, whose legislation created the 18,000-acre NRA in 1966.
Speakers also found themselves moved in another way, some obviously holding back tears as they recalled their association with the man who represented the Ninth Congressional District from 1955 through 1966, and served as House clerk from 1967 through 1975.
"In later years, he personally encouraged me to seek public service," said Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Abingdon, who now holds the congressional seat.
"His encouragement was never half-hearted. When Pat made up his mind to do something, there was no looking back," said Boucher, who held a luncheon after the ceremony for all those attending.
"My own family adored Pat Jennings," said Sen. Charles Robb, D-Va. "And I know my own father-in-law looked upon Pat Jennings as his very favorite."
He was referring to President Lyndon B. Johnson, who signed the NRA legislation. The pen he used is among memorabilia from Jennings' career on display at the center.
"He was the most eloquent stump speaker I've ever heard," said state Sen. Madison Marye, D-Shawsville. "He gave me the best jokes I have ever told."
Marye gave the first stump speech of his re-election campaign earlier at a gathering in nearby Marion. "I'm running against an opponent that is going to be well financed," said Marye facing opposition, for the first time in 12 years, from Blacksburg realtor Pat Cupp.
Robb endorsed Marye, saying a Republican congressional majority had upset things "and we don't want that to happen in Virginia."
Marye criticized of Gov. George Allen for eliminating Radford University's College of Global Studies and trying to end the Extension Service at Virginia Tech. "What was done to Radford University, I can't fathom," he said, adding that education would be "the big thing in my campaign."
At the ceremony, Marye recalled Jennings' zest for life and fun. He recalled their last time together, at a dinner where he was seated between Jennings and Jennings' longtime friend, Champ Clark, a Smyth County farmer and political activist who also has died. Marye said they kept everyone at the table laughing, "and I marveled at their closeness, their love of life, and the amount of food they consumed."
Jefferson National Forest Supervisor Bill Damon said it was Jennings who secured his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Raymond Colley, Jennings' chief of staff and deputy House clerk under Jennings and several successors, recalled driving on the George Washington Parkway with Jennings during their early days in Washington and trying a short cut to get to a restaurant. They ended up heading for the bus concourse under the Pentagon building.
Still, he said, "we got there and had dinner. And that was what a lot of his colleagues admired ... if he wanted to do something, he did it."
Jennings' daughter, Mary Ann Jennings Hovis, said a scholarship fund started in Jennings' honor is halfway to where it can generate scholarships off its interest and been transferred from the Bank of Marion to the Virginia Tech Foundation.
One of his three sons, former delegate G.C. Jennings, said his father's philosophy was reflected in what President Kennedy used to say about it being better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
Keith Argow, the first NRA ranger, recalled meeting Jennings "25 years and four months ago." It led to a lifelong friendship up to Jennings' death Aug. 4, 1994, at age 74, in a farming accident.
At last year's memorial service, Argow said, "I saw a traffic jam like I don't ever expect to see again in downtown Marion."
by CNB