[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 40 (Friday, March 3, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 3, 1995
  Mr. FILNER. Mr.Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to commemorate 
the profession of engineering.
  February 19-25 was National Engineers Week. As the Nation's second 
largest profession, engineering provides a challenging and rewarding 
career choice to roughly 1.8 million people in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, engineers often complain that many people do not know 
what it is that engineers do. Well, virtually everything that you and I 
do every day of the year has been invented, improved, or made safer 
because of engineers.
  National Engineers Week is always celebrated at the time of George 
Washington's birthday. Washington had the educational background of an 
engineer and land surveyor and is considered the Nation's first 
engineer. As President, Washington led a growing society toward 
technical advancements, invention and education. He promoted the 
construction of roads, canals, the U.S. Capitol, docks and ports and 
development of manufacturing resources.
  Engineers Week falls during Black History Month. African-Americans 
have engineered some of our most important and best-known inventions.
  There are numerous examples of leaders in the engineering profession, 
Mr. Speaker, but one has especially touched my heart. It is the story 
of Archie Alexander, who although advised against a career in 
engineering because of racial prejudice, persisted and gained 
recognition. If it were not for Mr. Alexander's perseverance, the Tidal 
Basin Bridge and Seawall and the Whitehurst Freeway in Washington, DC 
would not have been built.
  It is African-American role models like Alexander who have helped 
pave the way for others wishing to pursue careers in engineering, 
including women and members of other minority groups.
  As we approach the 21st century, the profession of engineering will 
help us cope with our changing world, while creating numerous new jobs 
and career paths. Long live engineering.


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