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U.S. Senate honors 'Big E'

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution sponsored by Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb Thursday honoring the service of the Norfolk-based U.S.S. Enterprise, which was decommissioned last month after 51 years of service.

More than 100,000 sailors served on U.S.S. Enterprise, the Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, during its years of service.

“I am proud to salute the officers and crew who served on U.S.S. Enterprise since her commissioning more than five decades ago,” Webb said. “As a result of their dedication and sacrifice during peace and war, the 'Big E' answered all bells and sustained the rich legacy forged since the Revolutionary War by the seven namesake ships that preceded her. Bravo Zulu.”

“I am proud to help commemorate more than fifty years of service to the nation by the Enterprise and its sailors,” Warner said. “Enterprise provided our military with unmatched combat capability during conflicts from the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  Norfolk and our country will sorely miss 'Big E’, and we salute the thousands of military men and women and their families who served aboard and supported her mission."

The resolution passed on the last day of Webb's tenure in the Senate. Webb is also a former Secretary of the Navy.

McDonnell declares 2013 'Year of the Teacher'

In conjunction with his education reform agenda Gov. Bob McDonnell proclaimed 2013 as the "Year of the Teacher" Thursday.

“Virginia’s teachers demonstrate selfless leadership day after day in classrooms across the Commonwealth,” McDonnell said in a press release. “Everyone knows a teacher who's stayed after school to support students; who's buying their own supplies; who's grading homework until 10, 11, or 12 at night then getting up early to put together the next day’s lesson plan. This is amazing dedication. We must do more to recognize and appreciate these professionals. Teachers are charged with the responsibility of passing on traditions, knowledge and character to the next generation. They instill a love for learning, a respect for fellow mankind and a belief that the American dream is achievable by all, regardless of ZIP code or station in life. Today, I am pleased to announce that we will recognize teachers throughout the year for their commitment to excellence in education.”

In addition to proposing a 2 percent raise for the state's public school teachers as part of his legislative agenda, McDonnell plans to honor teachers throughout the year.

First on the agenda to honor teachers McDonnell is asking Virginians to send in stories about their favorite teachers.

“I remember my third grade teacher, Mrs. Gikas,”McDonnell said. “She was a stickler for making sure that work was done on time without excuses, but she did it in a way that was encouraging and uplifting. She truly believed that her students could do anything if they put their mind to it. Mrs. Gikas was a teacher and mentor who both inspired and demanded excellence.”

The "My Favorite Teacher" contest runs through Jan. 30. Email essays of 100 words or less about your favorite educator to to K12Education@governor.virginia.gov. Submissions will be posted throughout the month at http://www.facebook.com/AllStudentsVirginia.

Video: Kaine thanks supporters ahead of swearing in

Soon to be U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine released the following video thanking supporters just two hours before his swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Thursday: