Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, approved by Congress and enacted into law on April 21, 2009, requested that September 11^th be observed as an annual “National Day of Service and Remembrance”; and

WHEREAS, Day to Serve is an annual event that transcends political and religious differences to unite people of all faiths, races, cultures, and backgrounds with a shared goal of helping those in need; and

WHEREAS, volunteer efforts strengthen communities, and volunteers serve with compassion; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to designate each day from September 11^th to October 11^th in 2015, and in each succeeding year, as a Day to Serve in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, between September 11^th and October 11^th, Virginians are encouraged to join with residents of Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to improve communities by recognizing and participating in “Day to Serve” activities; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Service offers numerous service projects throughout the Commonwealth between September 11^th and October 11^th; and

WHEREAS, all citizens, faith groups, businesses, and community organizations are invited to support and participate in community efforts to collect food, plant trees, clean up neighborhoods and parks, and address critical needs in their own backyards;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize each day from September 11, 2018, to October 11, 2018, as a DAY TO SERVE 2018 in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.