I am writing in support of this House Resolution 22 on behalf of Virginia Beach Restaurants, most of which are independently owned and operated. Stand at the center of this opportunity. Unlike national chains, these establishments reflect local history, regional ingredients, and family traditions passed down through generations. Recognizing Virginia as the Birthplace of American Cuisine creates a platform to drive diners into locally owned restaurants, encourage food-focused travel itineraries, and support complementary industries such as agriculture, seafood, wineries, breweries, lodging, and retail. This designation also has the potential to extend visitor stays, promote off-season travel, and distribute tourism dollars beyond major attractions into neighborhoods, rural areas, and historic communities. Food is often the entry point for visitors, and restaurants frequently serve as the first and most lasting impression of a destination. By formally recognizing Birthplace of American Cuisine Day, Virginia can celebrate its culinary heritage while simultaneously supporting small businesses, strengthening tourism, creating jobs, and reinforcing the Commonwealth’s reputation as a premier destination for history, culture, and hospitality.

United Cherokee Indian deserve recognition stop playing with us .. our history speaks stop playing with us again you steady playing with us in our faces oblivious you folks need to step down from your position due to your actions ain’t working

My name George Craig and I live in Winchester,, VA. I am writing in favor of HB 8 and ask for your support and "yes" vote. It is important for Virginia to be prepared when there is an Article V convention called and to ensure the commissioner sent follow the limitation of their authority. Thank you.

Dear Members of the Virginia General Assembly, I am writing to express my strong support for House Joint Resolution 22 (HJ22), designating April 27, 2026, and each succeeding year, as “Birthplace of American Cuisine Day” in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a partner in the Lynnhaven Oyster Club based in Virginia Beach, I am deeply committed to preserving and promoting the Lynnhaven Oyster experience and the broader culinary heritage of Coastal Virginia. The events of April 27, 1607—when English settlers first encountered Native Americans roasting oysters near present-day Cape Henry—represent a foundational moment in American food history. This early exchange, rooted in oysters and shared knowledge, is widely recognized as one of the earliest recorded instances of prepared food in what would become the United States. In accounts previously recorded by others, the Nanticoke Indians were “fond of raking up large piles of fresh oysters from creek bottoms with forked sticks and indulging in feasts that sometimes lasted several days.” (1981 The Oyster Wars of Chesapeake Bay. Tidewater Publishers, Centreville, Maryland). Indeed the "oyster roast" is a ubiquitous tradition in many coastal regions and is our history repeating itself. These events continue to evolve and fuse our culinary traditions with popular modern cuisine. HJ22 appropriately honors Virginia’s unique role as the birthplace of American cuisine, celebrating the fusion of Native American, European, and African traditions that shaped our nation’s enduring food culture which continues to thrive. Just as importantly, this designation has meaningful economic implications, supporting Virginia’s farmers, watermen, aquaculture producers, restaurants, and tourism partners. Several recent reports quantify the economic significance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbBECmqe7A8 https://www.vims.edu/research/units/centerspartners/map/shellfish-aquaculture/about/ Recognizing “Birthplace of American Cuisine Day” affirms Virginia’s leadership in American culinary history and provides an opportunity to educate, celebrate, and strengthen our food-based economy—particularly in Coastal Virginia, where oysters remain both a cultural symbol and a working livelihood. I anticipate that this annual designation to be celebrated by many, including those individuals and organizations that fight for sensible environmental policy that ensures a healthy future for Virginia seafood. As an oyster grower, I would be remise in not pointing out the positive feedback loop that Virginia's shellfish economy also has on our coastal environment and ecosystems. From shoreline stabilization, erosion control and ecosystem restoration, to cleaner water and carbon sequestration, Virginia's sustainable aquaculture industry is doing a lot of good behind the scenes. We often describe to our oyster club as a "farm to fork & table" culinary experience. In truth, it is more circular: from farm to table to farm again. Thank you for your consideration of this important resolution and for your continued service to the Commonwealth. With Respect, Chris Schellhammer Cofounder Lynnhaven Oyster Club Virginia Beach, Virginia