WHEREAS, World Down Syndrome Day is held on March 21st to raise awareness and promote inclusion and support for individuals with Down Syndrome in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Down Syndrome is the commonly used term to refer to Trisomy 21, a condition in which an individual is born with an extra copy of the 21st chromosome; and

WHEREAS, while 95% of people born with Down Syndrome have Trisomy 21, 3% of people in the U.S. are born with Translocation Down Syndrome and approximately 2% of people are born with Mosaic Down Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, over 5,000 babies are born with Down Syndrome and in Virginia, approximately 123 babies annually are born with Down Syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal condition in the United States; and

WHEREAS, we uplift and acknowledge the advocates, families, and educators who play a vital role in supporting individuals with Down Syndrome; and

WHEREAS, we strive to create a more compassionate, equitable, and inclusive society where all Virginians, including those with Down Syndrome, are recognized for their contributions to the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize the day of March 21, 2026, as WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.