WHEREAS, in 1958, Richard and Mildred Loving, a white man and an African American woman who were natives of Caroline County, were married in the District of Columbia; and 

WHEREAS, at the time, segregation laws in Virginia such as the Racial Integrity Act of 1924 prohibited interracial marriages, and the Lovings were subsequently arrested for being married to one another; and  

WHEREAS, to avoid incarceration, the Lovings relocated to the District of Columbia and courageously filed a federal lawsuit seeking the right to return to the Commonwealth of Virginia without fear of arrest as a result of their marriage; and  

WHEREAS, on June 12, 1967, the United States Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in Loving v. Virginia, legalizing interracial marriage across the nation and affirming that marriage is a fundamental freedom and one of the most basic civil rights; and 

WHEREAS, following the Court’s ruling, interracial marriage became legal in Virginia and 15 other states, and the Lovings returned home to Virginia to raise their family, a testament to their unwavering courage and resilience; and   

WHEREAS, today we recognize the enduring bravery and impact of the Lovings, and continue their legacy by striving to build a Commonwealth that is inclusive and welcoming to all by ensuring that all Virginians have equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of who they love;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 12, 2026, as LOVING DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.