[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE CITY OF BUENA VISTA, VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2017

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, For 125 years, the city of Buena Vista, 
Virginia, has stood at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains by the 
Maury River. Though Buena Vista has seen many changes during this time, 
I have always known this community to be home to hardworking people who 
are eager to welcome a neighbor and lend a helping hand.
  The city's origins can be traced back to the opening of a simple 
tannery by Benjamin Moomaw. In the early days, the community was known 
by several names, including Green Forest--a fitting name given the 
beautiful surrounding landscape. On February 15, 1892, Buena Vista was 
granted its city charter.
  Buena Vista is well-known for a number of outdoor recreation 
opportunities, like the 315-acre Glen Maury Park. Glen Maury Park hosts 
numerous music events each year, including the Maury River Fiddlers' 
Convention and the annual Beach Music Festival. Buena Vista is also an 
Appalachian Trail community and a welcome respite for many through 
hikers. Whether giving a lift to an AT hiker or welcoming fiddlers to 
the competition stage, Buena Vista residents take pride in their city. 
Community is built and evidenced by the spirit of volunteerism which 
reigns across many projects and programs that benefit both residents 
and visitors, like arts promotions, beautification efforts, and local 
endeavors to protect historic structures.
  Education has long been a hallmark of life in Buena Vista. The campus 
of Southern Virginia University, a private, 4-year liberal arts 
college, is located in the city. I would be remiss if I didn't mention 
that Buena Vista is also home to Parry McCluer High School, the 
Fighting Blues! Generations of former students come together during 
each sports season to support their team with resounding, ``Go, Blue'' 
cheers. Academic success is celebrated as well, not only by parents but 
by the community, witnessed by the multitude of academic scholarships 
presented to PMHS graduates each year.
  The annual Labor Day Parade is a true Buena Vista tradition. Since 
the initial Labor Day Parade held in the early 1970s, folks from across 
the Commonwealth have gathered to watch as the parade marched down 
Magnolia Avenue from downtown Buena Vista to Glen Maury Park. It's 
traditionally known as the kickoff to the political season leading up 
to the November elections, and I always look forward to the parade and 
the many friends I see along the way.
  The city of Buena Vista is a special place to me. After marrying my 
wife of more than 40 years, Maryellen, we both worked in the Buena 
Vista community. Maryellen was a secretary at First National Exchange 
Bank, and I painted school buses at the Bluebird Factory. We will never 
forget our experiences there.
  The city has also endured several horrific flooding events over the 
years. Working with its partners, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the 
United States Army Corps of Engineers, Buena Vista implemented the 
James R. Olin Flood Control Project, and it was my pleasure to lend a 
hand in that effort.
  Through it all, the city of Buena Vista has remained steadfast for 
125 years. I am proud to represent Buena Vista. I congratulate the city 
and its people on this milestone, and I wish them great prosperity for 
the future.

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