WHEREAS, the courageous and unyielding spirit of women has been integral in shaping the history, culture, and progress of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of women span all fields, from business and politics to education, science, healthcare, the arts, and beyond, as they continue to innovate, lead, and uplift our society; and

WHEREAS, the Voices from the Garden: Virginia Women’s Monument, located on Capitol Square in Richmond, honors the powerful stories of Virginia women, past and present, whose legacies continue to inspire and empower future generations; and

WHEREAS, we celebrate the lives of trailblazing women such as Pamunkey Chief Cockacoeske, who led her people with wisdom and resilience, and Martha Washington, whose leadership and devotion to the American cause set the standard for future First Ladies; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Estelle Randolph, who dedicated her life to education and community service, is remembered for her role in shaping the future of Virginia’s children and her pioneering efforts in health advocacy and organizational leadership; and

WHEREAS, women fulfill a vital, God-ordained role in inspiring and nurturing future generations as they care for the young, shape character, instill history, and promote education and exploratory opportunities to foster a vibrant and prosperous future for all Virginians; and

WHEREAS, women now constitute the majority of students enrolled in Virginia’s colleges and universities, representing the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers across all sectors, committed to shaping a better world; and

WHEREAS, during Women’s History Month, we honor the legacy of Roxane Gilmore, former First Lady of Virginia, for her enduring contributions as an educator, advocate for the arts and cultural heritage, and a key figure in the restoration of the Virginia Executive Mansion; her legacy of public service and leadership continues to inspire us as we cherish her memory and mourn her passing in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to appreciate and honor the past, present, and future contributions of women in the Commonwealth and to empower future generations of women leaders and innovators across all fields both inside and outside the home as they strengthen the Spirit of Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, salute the women of Virginia, including First Lady of the Commonwealth, Suzanne Youngkin, and do hereby recognize March 2025, as WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.