This past week I have been to all corners of the First Congressional District as Congress wraps up its District Work Period. It is always refreshing to see familiar faces and hear your thoughts on the goings on at home and in Washington. I kicked off the week attending Memorial Day ceremonies, held meetings at both ends of the District with my Historical Preservation Advisory Council, and joined Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle who represent the Hampton Roads region to discuss economic and infrastructure related development.
Memorial Day is a time to honor our Nation's veterans and remember the sacrifices they have made which provide us the freedom we enjoy. First, I joined Williamsburg American Legion Post 39 and 1776 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8046 for their Memorial Day ceremonies at the Williamsburg Memorial Park Cemetery. I was moved by the veterans who spoke of their efforts in serving our Country abroad, and the devotion showed by the Color and Honor Guards in their rifle salute and presentation of colors. Seven Veterans organizations along with local police and fire departments joined together to make the event a success.
Next, I was able to join the York County Historical Committee's ceremony at the York County War Memorial. Their event honored the more than 100 York County residents named on the War Memorial and those residents who have served in uniform. I had the opportunity to present awards to several outstanding student winners of the 2009 York County Remembers Poster and Essay Contest. It was clear that these students understood the price of freedom, and I was honored to be a part of this great event.
On Tuesday, I held meetings with my Historical Preservation Advisory Council which provides a forum to enhance and encourage historic preservation. The council includes owners of historic homes, representatives from Stratford Hall and Shirley Plantations, local historical societies, representatives from the National Trust, Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, representatives from George Washington's Boyhood Home, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Civil War Trust. In our meetings we discussed preservation tax credit legislation already in Congress and the work of the Historic Preservation Caucus, of which I am a member. The Caucus serves as a working group for Members of Congress to come together across the aisle on the subject of preservation.
Lastly, I along with Reps. Glenn Nye, Bobby Scott, and J. Randy Forbes attended a Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce luncheon to discuss issues confronting this unique region of the Commonwealth. The Chamber represents nearly 2,500 businesses in south Hampton Roads and works to promote the region. The topics of discussion covered many issues including our joint support for the shipbuilding industry, our joint fight against the move of an aircraft carrier to Mayport, Florida, the need for health care reform, and the issue of transportation in this often gridlocked corner of the Commonwealth.
While these events are just a few highlights of my week around the District, much more of my time was spent meeting with constituents one-on-one, and talking with groups ranging from the Chesapeake Bay researchers at Gloucester Point to York River Academy social studies students on the issues affecting them. I had the opportunity to speak with a great deal of constituents and as always my ears are open to your ideas and concerns so please continue to contact my offices in Fredericksburg, Tappahannock, Yorktown, and Washington.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
