Commemorating the life and legacy of Benjamin Harrison V.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 70 is a commemorative resolution honoring Benjamin Harrison V, a Virginia statesman, patriot, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The resolution recounts his service in the Virginia House of Burgesses, the Continental Congress, and as governor of Virginia, and highlights his role in the debates over independence and his support for the patriot cause during the American Revolution.
The resolution also notes Harrison’s family legacy, including his descendants who later became U.S. presidents, and recognizes Berkeley Plantation as his ancestral home and a historic site tied to Virginia’s colonial and revolutionary history. It directs the Clerk of the House of Delegates to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to representatives of Berkeley Plantation as a formal expression of the General Assembly’s respect.
Impact
HJR70 does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds; it is a ceremonial measure expressing legislative recognition and historical commemoration. Its practical effect is limited to official acknowledgment by the General Assembly and the preparation of a presentation copy for Berkeley Plantation, with no direct impact on statutes, agencies, or regulated parties.
Sentiment
The available record suggests unanimous and positive sentiment. The resolution was agreed to by both chambers, and its language is wholly laudatory, emphasizing patriotism, leadership, and historical significance. No committee debate, dissenting votes, or recorded opposition are provided, indicating broad bipartisan or noncontroversial support for the commemoration.
Contention
No notable points of contention are evident in the bill text or available legislative history. Because HJR70 is a commemorative resolution, any disagreement would likely have centered only on the choice of honoree or the appropriateness of legislative recognition, but no such concerns appear in the record. The measure appears to have been treated as a routine historical tribute.