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

George Washington Day

WHEREAS, George Washington, the Founding Father of the United States of America, was born at Pope’s Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732. Serving first as the Surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, he rose to Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, and later played a pivotal role at the Constitutional Convention. On April 30, 1789, after being unanimously elected by the citizens of the new nation, George Washington became the first President of the United States; and, 

WHEREAS, as a soldier, Washington began his military service in 1753 as a major, was quickly promoted to Colonel of the Virginia Regiment and distinguished himself as a brave and respected leader. Then in June 1775, Congress appointed George Washington to serve as the first General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Despite having little practical experience in managing large, conventional armies, Washington proved capable and fashioned an untested soldiery into a formidable army. He courageously guided his troops through eight long years of war, including the challenging conditions of Valley Forge and the daring crossing of the icy Delaware River on Christmas night 1776. With strength, perseverance and determination, he led his forces to decisive victory at Yorktown, establishing American independence; and, 

WHEREAS, as a citizen, Washington humbly resigned his commission at the war’s end, challenging the assumptions of the age that he would seize control of the fledgling nation. He withdrew to private life, and committed to the establishment of a new form of government that would bring the sovereign states into a more perfect union. At his home in Mount Vernon, he established a conference by the same name that would serve as a catalyst and inspiration for the Philadelphia Convention in 1787; and, 

WHEREAS, as a statesman, George Washington was elected to preside over and guide the members of the Philadelphia Convention as they drafted our government charter, the Constitution of the United States. In 1788, George Washington accepted the call of the people and was elected the first President of the United States, setting the standard for future presidents to serve with honor, integrity, and humility. After two terms, he once again retired to assure a peaceful transition of the head of state. Upon Washington’s death, President John Adams stated, “His example is now complete, and it will teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates, citizens, and men, not only in the present age, but in future generations, as long as our history shall be read.”;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize February 21, 2022 as GEORGE WASHINGTON DAY, and I call on all of our citizens to honor the Father of our Country by remembering George Washington and his invaluable contributions to the establishment of our great nation, as well as his outstanding representation of the Commonwealth of Virginia.