WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia has a long and distinguished history of representative government dating to 1619, when the first General Assembly convened at Jamestown, establishing the House of Burgesses; and

 

WHEREAS, the Virginia Constitution of 1776 established the Commonwealth’s bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate of Virginia and the Virginia House of Delegates; and

 

WHEREAS, on October 7, 1776, the first Virginia General Assembly convened in regular session under the Commonwealth’s new constitution, continuing a tradition of representative government that had begun more than 150 years earlier; and

 

WHEREAS, for more than four centuries, the General Assembly has served as an essential institution of Virginia’s government, adapting over time to reflect the changing needs, values, and aspirations of the Commonwealth and its people; and

 

WHEREAS, the history of the General Assembly encompasses both significant achievements and the complex evolution of representative government in Virginia, including the gradual expansion of political participation and representation; and

 

WHEREAS, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the October 7, 1776, convening of the General Assembly provides an opportunity to honor those who have served the Commonwealth, reflect upon Virginia’s legislative history, and recognize the enduring importance of civic participation and public service; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginians share a responsibility to learn from the Commonwealth’s history, participate in its democratic institutions, and work together to strengthen representative government for generations to come;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 7, 2026, as the 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.