Creston Owen Tribute
By Greg L | 23 January 2011 | Manassas City, Prince William County | 7 Comments
This was screened at the Blue & Gray Ball this weekend as part of a tribute to the person who made our upcoming sesquicentennial such a grand enterprise. A lot of people asked when this would be made available online after the screening, so it seems fitting to feature it here. Creston Owen was one of those rare bigger-than-life people, who armed with big visions, grand plans, and a rare ability to make things happen leaves an impact on this community that will be felt for quite a long time.
Creston, we’re going to miss you, but we’re never going to forget you.
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You’re a Great American CMO!
RIP
O. P.
I’ve only learned about Mr. Owen since the tragic news of his death. It’s apparent that he is missed by many people and that his leadership was integral to the exciting events in place for the celebration of the sesquicentennial Civil War Commemmoration, July 21 through 24. We’ll be sure to take part in those events and give thanks to God for a life that helped us remember those crucible years of our country.
Creston was a force…but I hope that in the memory of his death, we dont over emphasize things. He did not start the CW 150th planning…it was started a year before he got involved. His plan of running his own reenactment was thwarted by smart elected officials when they decided to not give him nearly $1 million to do it (this very blog criticized him and Mark Wolfe for that attempt by the way…). He was a huge force, but lets not make the creator of the Civil War Sesquicentennial…that would be a dishonest tribute.
Creston was a good guy. His legacy for our community is a lot like that of Loy Harris. He was a thinker, he had vision, and he was willing to put himsrlf into the projects he took on. Whether you liked him or not, Our town would be a much better place if we had more community leaders like him.
Creston understood the special opportunities presented by the sesquicentenial better and earlier than anyone - and he acted on those opportunities before they were lost. These opportunities now include having a nationally recognized set of commemorations, significant tourism spend and the opportunity to advertize Manassas and the County as an historical tourist destination both in the short and long term. Without his advocacy, Manassas and Prince William County could never have been designated the No. 1 tour bus destination for 2011 by the American Bus Association. Oh, it would have been listed as a place of interest, but special museum displays, antique car shows, a local Blue and Grey Ball or two, and author signings centered around some political speeches were not going to do it. And no - he never advocated nor sought public funding to run “his own reenactment.” He understood the risk of those kinds of comments and put community over self by bringing the issue and the opportunities presented to public attention. Was there planning underway before his involvement - yeah, ok, you hope so, but its never been the same since.
A very lovely tribute, and a well done video. Good job, Greg. Thanks for sharing.
A picture of leadership.