[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 18TH ANNUAL FAIRFAX COUNTY HISTORY CONFERENCE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2022

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax County 
History Commission on the occasion of the 18th Annual Fairfax County 
History Conference.
  Since 1969, the Fairfax County History Commission has worked to 
identify, document, record and preserve the history of our region. 
There are few areas in the country that are as rich in history as our 
area is. The History Conference provides an opportunity to reflect on 
the accomplishments of the past year while recognizing our neighbors 
who have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting our 
local history. Through the dedicated efforts of the History Commission 
and its many volunteers, we are assured that our history will not be 
lost and will be available for future generations.
  This year, a number of dedicated individuals are being honored for 
their commitment to the preservation and education of history. I am 
proud to include in the Record their names:
  Mike Salmon and Ean Eschenburg for their work to promote and preserve 
the history of Fairfax County through video historic documentary 
production. One of their first productions, entitled ``The Gravel Pits: 
Before There Was a Kingstowne,'' takes the viewer from today's busy, 
attractive residential and commercial area of Kingstowne to the days 
when it was a semi-abandoned concrete plant known as the Leehigh Cement 
Company.
  Debbie Robison for her 11 years of service on the Fairfax County 
History Commission, including 2 years as the Commission's Chairperson. 
Her in-depth knowledge of Fairfax County and surrounding jurisdictions 
is beyond compare. She has been first and foremost a life-long promoter 
of the history and preservation of Fairfax County's history.
  George Mason University Capstone Computer Science Program 2021 
graduates, Akbur Asuri, Steve Cheuko, Brian Do, Fernando Galarza, Roman 
Patrick, and Samuel Pitch, for creating the Fairfax County African 
American History Inventory Database. The project included the labor, 
research and design to create a user friendly and future oriented data 
base, referenced as the African American Historic Inventory.
  I commend the Fairfax County History Commission for helping to ensure 
that the abundance of history that is available to our community will 
be preserved far into the future.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating all 
the honorees and thanking the Fairfax County History Commission for the 
important work they do for the Northern Virginia community.

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