[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 86 (Friday, June 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MARINA DAY

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                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2012

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significance 
and contributions of local marinas across the country as we commemorate 
National Marina Day on June 9, 2012. Every day across this great 
nation, folks take advantage of waterways for a variety of reasons, 
including commerce, sport, and recreation. National Marina Day is a 
special opportunity to highlight the valuable role that marinas play in 
communities across America as gateways to some of our country's most 
exceptional waterways.
  The First District of Virginia is a region where waterways are an 
important part of life for many folks, from the Potomac, Rappahannock, 
and York Rivers to the great Chesapeake Bay itself. For many citizens, 
marinas serve as gateways to these grand waterways, places where folks 
can reacquaint themselves with nature and learn valuable lessons of 
environmental stewardship, all while mastering the practical skills and 
expertise associated with operating a boat. Many of these life lessons 
were instilled in me during summers on Virginia's Northern Neck, which 
I have called home for many years, and they are lessons that I have 
found to be beneficial in all aspects of my life. Marinas have provided 
the opportunity for folks from all walks of life to experience all of 
the substance that our natural waterways have to offer, and I am 
pleased to recognize their contributions and unique imprint on our 
communities as we commemorate National Marina Day.

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