[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO REINHART ``ART'' AND MARIE SCHMIDT ON THE OCCASION 
                   OF THEIR 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to 
rise today to pay tribute to Art and Marie Schmidt, two notable members 
of the Northern Virginia community. On Wednesday, May 17, 2000, the 
Schmidt's marked their 70th wedding anniversary. The wedding 
anniversary was celebrated by the congregation at St. Paul's Episcopal 
Church in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, I join together today with the extended family of St. 
Paul's Episcopal Church to commend Art and Marie on this joyous 
occasion and to share the warm wishes of the citizens of Virginia's 
11th Congressional District. Anytime our community honors the 70th 
anniversary of any accomplishment, it is a moment to cherish. When we 
then celebrate a marriage of 70 years, a marriage of dedication, 
patience, love, and understanding, we are struck by the power and 
beauty of this human commitment. Grand occasions such as this magnify 
the many blessings that have been bestowed upon this wonderful couple.
  The Schmidt's have given generously of their personal time and 
resources to their family and to our community. Throughout their lives 
together, they have worked hard, appreciating the opportunities that 
life has offered them. Art and Marie are fifty-five year residents of 
the Bailey's Crossroads area of Northern Virginia. They have witnessed 
the transformation of Fairfax County from a sleepy suburb of our 
Nation's Capital into a cultural and commercial destination in its own 
right. The loving couple are the proud parents of three children; 
Robert, Marilyn, and Doug.
  After living in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago, the Schmidt's 
moved to the Washington D.C. metro area where Art was in charge of the 
weather bureau at National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. At that 
time, the weather bureau was part of the U.S. Department of Commerce 
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had not been 
created. Marie was a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic. Their 
commitment to public service, our Nation, and their neighbors are the 
hallmark of their careers.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me, their neighbors, family 
and friends in wishing Art and Marie Schmidt a happy 70th wedding 
anniversary. I am grateful to be reminded of such a loving couple and 
to have the opportunity to recognize such a momentous day in their 
lives. Art and Marie are to be commended for their commitment to one 
another, and for the wonderful example they set for their many friends 
and family. I wish them many more happy and healthy days together.

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