WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia has a long and distinguished tradition of cultivating talented and dedicated leaders and public servants, including eight Presidents of the United States who have called Virginia home; and 

WHEREAS, this tradition of exemplary public service is carried forward each day by federal, state, and local public servants who work diligently to enhance the quality of life for all Virginians; and 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s state employees dedicate significant time, talent, and energy to serving the Commonwealth as educators, health care providers, law enforcement and correctional officers, and as employees across federal, state, and local agencies, as well as elected and appointed officials; and 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s public service employees educate children, support victims of crime, administer justice, protect public health and safety, maintain critical infrastructure, safeguard citizens’ rights, assist those in need, and carry out many other essential duties entrusted to them; and 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s state employees improve the quality of life for all Virginians by serving with professionalism and integrity, supporting efforts to make government services more accessible and responsive, and contributing to their communities through volunteerism and civic engagement; and 

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor and celebrate all public employees and to reaffirm to the citizens of the Commonwealth the importance of supporting those who dedicate themselves to serving them each day; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 4-10, 2026, as VIRGINIA PUBLIC SERVICE WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.