Proclamation List- Chesapeake Bay Deadrise Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Chesapeake Bay Deadrise Month

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, ruggedly built to navigate the Bay’s winding waterways and shallow inlets, was locally designed and developed to work shoal waters while withstanding its ever-changing weather, standing as a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and industrious spirit of Virginia’s watermen; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, recognized as the official boat of the Commonwealth of Virginia, has long been the steadfast workhorse of the Commonwealth’s commercial fishing industry, serving generations of watermen in their pursuit of oysters, crabs, and finfish, while embodying the time-honored traditions of maritime craftsmanship; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s watermen, through their tireless labor and deep-rooted connection to the Bay, have played an indispensable role in shaping the culture, economy, and identity of the Commonwealth, passing down their knowledge and skills through generations, ensuring that the legacy of the working waterman endures; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Deadrise, with its distinctive lines, sturdy wooden hull, and ability to withstand the changing moods of the Bay, symbolizes not only the perseverance of Virginia’s watermen but also the rich maritime heritage that defines our coastal communities; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that we honor this iconic vessel and the men and women who have built their livelihoods upon the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, ensuring that the traditions of Virginia’s commercial fishing industry remain a vital part of our Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize June 2025, as CHESAPEAKE BAY DEADRISE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations