The prestigious annual honor was given to a dozen well-known former lawmakers, city employees, activists and business owners.
Mayor Justin Wilson said that Alexandria draws people who contribute to the greater good.
“This community has a way of just sucking you in to something great and it’s wonderful,” Wilson said. “But quickly, whether you’re growing up or you just got here, you start to realize that some of the same people are involved in multiple things, and… those are the kinds of people we’re honoring tonight. These are the people that make a lasting difference to our community. Decades from now when all of us are long gone, you will go around and you will say, ‘Wow, that happened because of them.'”
The reception was held at the George Washington National Masonic Memorial and was hosted by former Alexandria City High School principal John Porter. Three of the honorees who died recently were still recognized.
The 2023 Living Legends of Alexandria
Former Police Chief David Baker
Nelson Greene Jr., who died last year
Retired Sheriff Dana Lawhorne
Carolyn B. Lewis, founder of Project Discovery Alexandria
Patty and Kate Moran
Gary Oelze, who died this year
Colonel James Paige
Former City Council Member Redella S. “Del” Pepper