[4] He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Marines during World War II, and upon returning to Virginia was active in his Methodist Church, as well as the Lions, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Fairfax Historical Society, Boy Scouts, Fairfax High School Parent Teacher Association and various business and community associations in his native Annandale.
[5] After graduating from college, Hirst reluctantly joined his father's real estate business, and later came to live in McLean, Virginia.
Senator Harry F. Byrd fought desegregation of Virginia's schools despite the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education.
After both the Virginia Supreme Court and a three judge federal panel on January 19, 1959, massive resistance became more passive, but Hirst declined to seek re-election.
Fellow real estate broker Dorothy S. McDiarmid, who ran against the Byrd Organization's school closing strategy, won the Democratic primary and was elected in November, 1959.
[9] Hirst also extended Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway and helped create the Dulles Toll Road, which officially is named after him and fellow legislator Adelard Brault.
Hirst chaired the Senate Welfare Committee (1968–1971), which recommended reforms adopted in 1970, and the Commission on Mental, Indigent and Geriatric Patients (1972–79).