WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia played a significant role in securing American independence, providing influential political leaders, military leadership, and unwavering support for the cause of liberty; and 

WHEREAS, the decisive final major battle of the American Revolutionary War was fought at Yorktown, Virginia, securing a pivotal victory that helped lead to American independence; and 

WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, establishing the United States of America as an independent nation; and 

WHEREAS, the signing of the Declaration of Independence marked the beginning of a new nation dedicated to the ideals of freedom and representative government; and 

WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence is among the most significant documents in American history, establishing the principles and ideals that continue to guide our nation; and 

WHEREAS, generations of Americans have worked to advance the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and ensure that its guarantees of liberty and equality are realized for all people regardless of race, gender, or religion; and 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia joins fellow Americans in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and reflecting on the enduring ideals upon which our nation was established;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize July 4, 2026, as the 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.