National Park Service Chesapeake Office Statement on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator John Warner

Annapolis, MD – The following statement is attributable to Wendy O’Sullivan, Superintendent of the National Park Service Chesapeake Office on the passing of former U.S. Senator John Warner of Virginia.

“The NPS Chesapeake family sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Senator John Warner on his passing.

"Senator Warner was a devoted and powerful champion for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and was an advocate for national parks and public lands across the Commonwealth of Virginia and around the country.

"Early in my career, I had the great fortune of working closely with Senator Warner on the establishment of Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. He was kind, accessible, strategic, and had a wonderful way of sharing stories of his experiences and knowledge that left you feeling as though you’d gained a great gift and wishing to hear more.

"Senator Warner understood the importance of connecting the public to America’s National Parks. In honor of Senator Warner’s commitment to nature, history, heritage and inclusive engagement across communities, the National Park Service named him in 2003 as an honorary National Park Ranger and presented him with a commemorative ranger flat hat. Senator Warner was more than deserving of this is rare and special salute.

“Senator Warner’s passion for nature and history lives on in the many people he inspired and countless places he worked to protect.”