In Memoriam: Joseph Shumard

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that our past George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee Chairman Joe Shumard passed away on October 17, 2020. He was an Alexandria Living Legend, past president of the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Alexandria, President of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, and, of course, served on the George Washington Birthday Celebration Committee.

Shumard was an integral part of the Committee, serving on the committee since 199 and serving as Chairman for the last twenty years until he decided to take a step back to “retire” from his volunteer positions last year. The George Washington Parade is the largest annual celebration in the country honoring the memory of our first president and local Alexandrian. Without his tireless contributions to the Committee the month-long celebration would not be as prestigious nor enjoyable as they are now known.

Shumard exemplified characteristics that many of us admire in General Washington: leadership, selfless service to community, and of course, compassion. On his personal website, he featured a favorite quote of John Wooden:

“You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.”

We will continue Joe’s long legacy of civic engagement in the best way we know how – by honoring and celebrating our nation’s favorite president – George Washington.

Joe’s enthusiasm to keep George Washington’s memory alive is perfectly captured in the video below: