WHEREAS, George Washington, a Virginian and the first President of the United States, approved the nation’s first-ever patent on July 31, 1790, thereby laying the foundation for America’s commitment to invention, innovation, and intellectual property rights; and

WHEREAS, science and invention have provided humanity with life-changing advancements spanning medical devices, energy solutions, and cutting-edge technology that continue to enhance quality of life; and

WHEREAS, inventors from Virginia have contributed to the Commonwealth being a leader in innovations spanning telecommunications, aerospace, medicine, engineering, and cybersecurity, including pioneering advancements at NASA’s Langley Research Center, which contributed to the launch of the first U.S. space satellite and the development of early supercomputers; and

WHEREAS, for over 50 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum in Virginia has celebrated the legacies of more than 640 groundbreaking inventors while offering opportunities for future generations to learn from these innovative role models; and

WHEREAS, among the inductees in the National Inventors Hall of Fame are two notable Virginians: James Edward Maceo West of Farmville, co-inventor of the foil electret microphone and son of Matilda West, black astrophysicist who was one of the “Hidden Figures” at NASA’s Langley Research Center; and Thomas J. Armat of Fredericksburg, co-inventor of an early motion picture projector, whose patent he sold to Thomas Edison before going to work for him; and

WHEREAS, two other notable inventors with ties to Virginia are Virginia Harris Holsinger of Fairfax, whose research contributed to the development of Lactaid and Beano, and Virginia Norwood, inventor of the Multispectral Scanner and a 2025 inductee; and

WHEREAS, Virginians showcased in the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum highlight the Commonwealth’s rich history of technological innovation and contributions to various fields; and

WHEREAS, National Inventors Month, first recognized in 1998 to celebrate creativity and ingenuity, was started as a collaboration between the United Inventors Association of the USA, the Academy of Applied Science, and Inventors Digest; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia invites citizens to celebrate and show appreciation for the creative minds behind innovations that drive progress in research, technology, engineering, and medicine; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to reflect on and share how inventions have improved their lives and inspired future generations of creators and problem-solvers;

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