NORFOLK
The leader of a citizens group seeking to turn Fort Monroe into a national park died Monday of an apparent heart attack.
Henry O. Malone, 74, helped found Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park in 2006, and was its president.
Known to many as "H.O.," Malone was a dogged, deep-voiced advocate for the historic post. He spent 14 years there as chief historian of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command.
In 2005, the government said it would close the base. Concerned about development on the 570-acre waterfront property, Malone buttonholed politicians. He wrote letters, organized meetings and united a diverse group of people.
"H.O. was the spark plug that brought us together, and he had total dedication to the best interests of the future of Fort Monroe," said Louis Guy, president of the Norfolk Historical Society and secretary of the citizens group.
Mark Perreault, a board member, said Malone was undeterred by setbacks: "He just dusted himself off, got up and kept going straight ahead. He was an inspiration to us all."
A longtime Hampton resident, Malone was an Air Force pilot before earning a doctorate in history.
Friends said Malone collapsed while in line to cast an absentee ballot at the Norfolk registrar's office. They said he had planned to spend Election Day outside polling places, getting signatures on a Fort Monroe petition.
" He died, in a way, working to preserve Fort Monroe," said Charles H. Cureton, who worked for Malone at Training and Doctrine Command.
Kate Wiltrout, (757) 446-2629, kate.wiltrout@pilotonline.com
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Fort Monroe
Years ago, when I was growing up in Willoughby, I used to explore Fort Monroe and the islands around the mouth of the river with my brother. I always wondered why these areas were never preserved or part of a historical site. It is sad in a way that the people of Virginia don't care more for the history or heritage of life gone past.
I can say this however, Florida which is also steeped in American history does care and does make every attempt to preserve such important places so our young can experience the lives of our elders.
In a way it really does not surprise me about Virginia, a state so wealthy yet so inconsiderate of how they acquired it.
God Bless you H.O. and your noble cause. You are a true American.