LETTER TO THE EDITOR
FALLS CHURCH NEWS-PRESS

Albert Einstein wrote, "The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive." If this is right - and I tend to believe that Einstein usually was - then Walter K. Mess sets the standard.

The organization Friends of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail is stepping up to honor this extraordinary City of Falls Church icon with a 5K charity run on Sunday, March 27, at 4:00 PM, starting and finishing at American Legion Post 130, 400 North Oak Street, on Sunday, March 27, at 4:00 PM. See www.wodfriends.org or call 703-927-4833 for full information.

I invite my fellow citizens and nature-lovers to join me at the 5K run to celebrate Mess's contribution to the City of Falls Church, Northern Virginia, and our country.

Mess's life story is full of honor, valor, and commitment to the community. During World War II, he served in the Office of Strategic Services, a forerunner to the CIA, and completed numerous dangerous missions as well as numerous hospital stays. After the war, he pledged to devote 50 percent of his time to volunteering, his way of giving back to the world for being able to come home.

As an avid hunter and fisherman, Mess was frustrated by the lack of parks in Northern Virginia. In the 1950s, he helped found the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVPRA). Mess worked relentlessly to develop the agency, even hiking each and every property that was under consideration for acquisition.

In fact, Mess was instrumental in creating the W&OD Trail, the race course for the 5K in his honor. A plaque on the trail celebrates his 90th birthday.

Friends of the W&OD Trail welcomes runners, sponsors, and cheerleaders for this auspicious event. Help us thank Walter Mess for his service and dedication to making Northern Virginia and especially the City of Falls Church the place we are proud to call home.

Roger Neighborgall
President, Friends of the W&OD Trail
Falls Church