WHEREAS, in 2017, as a call to action, National Hire a Veteran Day was established; and

WHEREAS, the goal of National Hire a Veteran Day is to encourage the recruitment and hiring of veterans whose unique skills and specialized expertise can create a diverse and high-performing workforce; and

WHEREAS, there are more than 680,000 veterans across the Commonwealth, one of the largest populations of veterans in the nation; and

WHEREAS, more than 20,000 service members are estimated to leave service in Virginia annually; and

WHEREAS, many of Virginia's employers have supported veterans hiring by joining the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth takes great pride in being one of the most veteran-friendly states in the nation for veterans to live, work, and raise a family;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize July 25, 2026, as NATIONAL HIRE A VETERAN DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.