[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2943-H2944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 WE WERE PAYING ATTENTION ON OCTOBER 7

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, we were paying attention. We were paying 
attention on October 7. We were paying attention when Hamas, the 
terrorist organization, slaughtered innocent women and children, 
elderly citizens of the Nation of Israel. We were paying attention.
  Now the world is paying attention as Israel seeks to eliminate Hamas. 
We stand with Israel. We stand with the citizens of Israel, and we are 
paying attention not only to Israel as it seeks to destroy Hamas and 
rid the world of this terrorist organization, but we are paying 
attention to those in Congress and across the country who are siding 
with Hamas, who are siding with terrorists, who are siding with 
murderers.
  Remember October 7. We stand with Israel.


                  John Handley Seniors Honor Veterans

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of John 
Handley High School seniors. These remarkable students have taken on a 
significant project to honor alumni from the Douglas School who 
valiantly served in World War II.
  The project involves adding their names to the Patsy Cline Theater at 
John Handley High School, acknowledging the contributions and service 
of those veterans alongside those already honored from John Handley.
  Douglas School served African-American students in Winchester until 
its closure in 1966, so the students want to make sure all of the 
community's World War II veterans are given the recognition they 
rightly deserve.
  The students' work involves a great deal of researching and 
documenting the names of Douglas School veterans, a crucial step in 
preserving our history and ensuring the bravery and sacrifices of all 
of our World War II veterans are honored. So far, they have collected 
300 names of World War II veterans and are working to verify that they 
attended Douglas High School.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in applauding these 
students and their efforts to ensure that the contributions of our 
veterans are never forgotten.


              Congratulating Salem High School Debate Team

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Salem High 
School debate team for winning the 2024 Virginia High School League 
championship, the first in their history.
  This historic win came after an impressive performance at James 
Madison University, where Salem's team showcased their unparalleled 
skill and determination against the Rock Ridge team, winning with a 
score of 21-13.
  The team was led by Claire Rawlins and Kaylee Christley, whose 
unmatched skills in policy debate steered Salem to victory. Claire 
Rawlins has also etched her name in VHSL history by winning titles in 
both forensics, impromptu speaking, and a debate event in a single 
year.
  In the VHSL competition, Rawlins and Christley went a combined 10 
wins and 1 loss while winning the region, super region, and State 
championships. Their achievements, along with those of their teammates, 
propelled Salem to this prestigious State title.
  I congratulate Salem High School on their State championship in 
debate and to the students, coaches, and everyone involved in this 
monumental achievement.


                  Honoring WWII Veteran George Bailey

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize George Bailey, a 
valiant World War II veteran who joined the Capital Wing Warbird 
Showcase at Shenandoah Valley Airport as part of his 99th birthday 
celebration.
  George Bailey, who faithfully served in the Army's 283rd Field 
Artillery Battalion, represents the best of American courage and 
resolve. His dedication to our country, followed by his distinguished 
career at Pratt & Whitney showcases the enduring American spirit of 
innovation and excellence.
  At the showcase, George Bailey was given the honor to take to the 
skies on

[[Page H2944]]

a flight aboard the historic Stinson OY-1.
  George's enthusiasm for aviation serves as a powerful reminder of the 
gratitude we owe to our veterans. Their commitment and sacrifices have 
paved the way for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy.
  As we look forward to celebrating George's 100th birthday next year, 
with hopes of another flight, I thank George. To all those who joined 
in this memorable showcase, your dedication ensures that the legacy of 
our Nation's heroes continues to be celebrated and remembered for 
generations to come.


          Apple Blossom Festival Celebrates 100th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Shenandoah 
Apple Blossom Festival's 100th birthday. This year marked the 100th 
anniversary of the festival's establishment in 1924, despite having 
hosted only 97 festivals to date because of the profound impacts of 
World War II and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
  The festival includes 10 days of events, including a carnival, 
dances, parades, band concerts, and parties. It attracts crowds of more 
than 250,000 people.
  Last week, 500 people joined a celebration at James R. Wilkins, Jr. 
Athletics & Events Center at Shenandoah University to honor a century 
of tradition, resilience, and community spirit at the Shenandoah Apple 
Blossom Festival.
  Mr. Speaker, this achievement is an incredible milestone. I extend my 
utmost gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes 
to make the Apple Blossom Festival one of the best celebrations in 
Virginia's Sixth District and nationwide. Year after year, their 
dedication has created a celebration for our community to recognize and 
enjoy the rich agricultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley.

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