WHEREAS, on October 13, 1775, the United States Navy was established by resolution of the Continental Congress; and

 

WHEREAS, for 251 years, the United States Navy has answered the call to duty in times of war and peace, defending democracy at home and abroad while safeguarding waterways and supporting the free flow of global commerce; and

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to the world’s largest naval base, reflecting the Commonwealth’s proud and enduring connection to the United States Navy; and

 

WHEREAS, more than 85,000 active-duty and Navy Reserve service members, along with more than 43,000 civilian employees and their families, are stationed throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, making significant contributions to the Commonwealth’s communities and economy; and

 

WHEREAS, these service members and civilian workers support our national security and protect our freedoms at a myriad of locations in the Commonwealth, including: the Pentagon, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Naval Air Station Oceana and Dam Neck Annex, Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and Surface Combat Systems Center Wallops Island; and military operations at installations across Virginia; and

 

WHEREAS, the United States Navy embodies the ideals of courage, fairness, and equality through the selfless service and dedication of its men and women; and

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia celebrates the continued strength, professionalism, and bravery of the United States Navy’s ready and resilient Sailors who serve in its all-volunteer force;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 13, 2026, as the 251st BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.