Loving Day

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

Loving Day

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, interracial marriage was forbidden in Virginia, and the Lovings were subsequently arrested for being married to one another; and

WHEREAS, faced with a year in prison simply for being married, the Lovings moved to the District of Columbia and later filed a federal lawsuit so they could return home to the Commonwealth; 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 moving us one step closer to fulfilling the ideals set forth in our Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, following the Court ruling, interracial marriage became legal in Virginia and 15 other states, and the Lovings returned to their home of Virginia to raise their children; and

WHEREAS, today we recognize the enduring bravery and impact of the Lovings as they sought a life in Virginia despite the ban on interracial marriage, and we continue their legacy to build a Commonwealth that ensures that all Virginians have the opportunity to thrive; and

WHEREAS, the Lovings’ story is a testament to the value of justice and the perseverance that continues to strengthen the Spirit of Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize June 12, 2025, as LOVING DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations