To commemorate U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd becoming the longest-serving congressional member in history, Gov. Joe Manchin, members of the legislature, congressional staff members and fellow West Virginians will celebrate the state’s senior senator and recognize his many accomplishments.

The celebration starts at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18, just two days before Byrd’s 92nd birthday, with a speaking program in front of the senator’s statue on the second floor Rotunda of the state capitol. The speaking program will include Governor Joe Manchin, Judge Blane Michael, Charleston attorney Ned Rose, Director of the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies Ray Smock, and Anne Barth, state director for Senator Robert C. Byrd, who is expected to deliver a message from the senator.

The ceremony is followed by an exhibit that highlights the senator’s accomplishments and includes photos from throughout his distinguished career, his beloved fiddle and other personal memorabilia, Gov. Manchin’s office reported. The ceremony and exhibit are free and open to the public.