George Washington called it his hometown. Robert E. Lee spent his boyhood years there. Gerald Ford lived there when he was Vice President. Remember the Titans is a movie based on a local High School. Joe Namath played his first professional football game there.

Alexandria, VA is my hometown. Today Alexandria, VA was rocked by a very tragic event when a gunman attacked Republican Congressmen and staffers. This maniacal shooting took place at Eugene Simpson Stadium, a place where I have wonderful memories of baseball games for George Washington High School, American Legion games, and a Championship Little League game.

My closest boyhood friends played there. Families gathered there, the community congregated there to watch their children play America’s game. Now it will be remembered by many not for the joy, but for tragedy. It is a sad, sad day for my hometown and boyhood playground.