Delegate Peace Asked to Serve as Chair of the War of 1812 Advisory Council Delegate Christopher K. Peace (R-Mechanicsville) was recently named as the Chair of the Citizen Advisory Council for the Virginia Commission on the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. The purpose of the Commission is to prepare for and commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of Virginia's participation in the American War of 1812.
"I am honored to be entrusted with this responsibility and opportunity to work to ensure that Virginia’s role in the War of 1812 is represented through commemorative events across the Commonwealth,” Peace said. “Commemorative events are expected to generate needed heritage tourism dollars in many localities across the state.”
Due to our rich, diverse history, one of Virginia’s largest industries is tourism. In 2008, $19.2 billion in revenue was generated through tourism across the state, an increase of 2.8 percent over 2007. The industry also supported 210,620 jobs and provided $1.28 billion in state and local tax revenue.
The Commission is authorized to plan commemorative events and activities, encourage research to promote historical literacy and understanding of the war, and support organizations throughout the state as they plan commemorative events. The Commission expires July 1, 2015.