Gold Star Spouses Day

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Gold Star Spouses Day

WHEREAS, Gold Star Spouses Day is observed each year to honor and recognize the surviving husbands and wives of military service members who gave their lives in service to the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to thousands of military families, including Gold Star spouses whose loved ones served with courage, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting our nation and preserving our freedoms; and

WHEREAS, Gold Star spouses carry forward the legacy of their fallen loved ones with strength, dignity, and resilience, demonstrating extraordinary courage in the face of profound loss; and

WHEREAS, these spouses contribute greatly to the fabric of our communities, offering support to other military families, participating in veterans' organizations, and preserving the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the deep and lasting impact of military loss on families and remains committed to supporting Gold Star spouses through community programs, remembrance events, and ongoing outreach; and

WHEREAS, Gold Star Spouses Day provides an opportunity for all Virginians to express gratitude, honor the sacrifices made by military families, and reaffirm our commitment to those who have borne the heaviest burden of service;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 5, 2026, as GOLD STAR SPOUSES DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and encourage all Virginians to honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring strength of Gold Star spouses across our Commonwealth.