(May 2006) RICHMOND, Va. - The likeness of Robert E. Lee could be seen on some Virginia license plates next year as part of a statewide program to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Confederate commander's birth. The General Assembly recently approved the plate, which needs 350 registrants before it becomes official.

The plate was suggested by the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) to the Robert E. Lee Bicentennial Commission, which approved the idea. The commission was formed by the Virginia General Assembly in early 2005 to propose programs and projects that will increase public awareness of Lee and boost tourism to Lee-related sites in the state.

"Lee is one of Virginia's most famous sons, and he's considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, generals in American history," said commission member Brag Bowling, who represents the SCV. "People see him as a valiant warrior who fought against unbelievable odds, right up till he ran out of men."

Bowling, who is also the immediate past commander of the Virginia Division SCV, said the SCV took the lead in getting the plate approved. Virginia State Sen. Frank Ruff, Republican from Clarksville and a member of the Lee Commission, filed Senate Bill 50 to authorize the plate.

Bowling said the plate was well-received and the bill passed the General Assembly. It was incorporated into another bill which sets strict deadlines on obtaining the 350 registrations required for all vanity plates. Instead of the three years previously allowed, sponsors for such plates will have 30 days. The plates cost an additional $10.

"Basically, we will need to get the 350 registrations prior to Aug. l of this year," Bowling said. "The effective date of all bills is July l so we have 30 days from July l."

He said, "We are getting ready for a huge statewide effort to get the 350 registrations. If we fail by Aug. l, we will have another bill ready for next year's General Assembly session and at that time we will have the 350 registrations."

He expects the license plate to be popular "because of people's appreciation for Lee."

Virginia is rife with vanity plates, many of them bearing the emblems of favorite educational institutions and organizations. The SCV itself has a Virginia license plate sporting its battle-flag logo, although opposition to the flag by black legislators initially killed the plate. The SCV eventually brought suit in federal court on free-speech grounds and succeeded in forcing passage.

Bowling, who is national press officer for the SCV, said he doubted that a Lee plate would generate opposition. He pointed to Lee's reputation after the war as a conciliator between North and South, as a successful educator at what is now Washington & Lee University in Lexington, and as a member of one of America's most important founding families.

"Even in the North he was very much admired," said Bowling. "He's very fondly remembered."

Bowling expects other bicentennial observances would include lecture series and forums, dissemination of information on Lee in the public schools, tourism promotion of Lee-associated sites like Stratford Hall, Appomattox and Washington & Lee, and possibly a Robert E. Lee postage stamp. The SCV will hold its own Robert E. Lee educational forum in April 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Lee was born Jan. 19, 1807, at Stratford Hall in Virginia's Northern Neck. He died Oct. 12, 1870, in Lexington, after five years as president of then-Washington College.

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