WHEREAS, American and Virginia workers have harnessed their talent and potential to move our economy to new heights, whether they work in agriculture, tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, trades, or other important fields in every sector of our economy; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to over 4,355,000 workers who contribute to our culture, society, and economy, and who work hard to provide for their families and communities; and

WHEREAS, Virginia workers labor in a diverse economy that reflects the rich and complex fabric of cultures, nationalities, and ethnicities that blend to make Virginia great; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is committed to building and growing an economy that works for past, present, and future generations of Virginians with the recognition that our talent of past and present have shaped our lives and will build our bright future; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is focused on creating more great jobs, so every Virginian has an opportunity to work and succeed in their community; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s businesses, trade associations, organized labor, educational institutions, workforce training providers, and other workforce development stakeholders worked together to support the creation of the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to train more workers, place more Virginians in good-paying jobs, and grow the Virginia economy; and

WHEREAS, private and public partnerships are collaborating to provide greater job training, apprenticeship opportunities, and educational options for workers as well as to address labor needs in high demand fields so that every hard-working Virginian can pursue and live the American dream; and

WHEREAS, Virginia workers exemplify the ideals of determination, ingenuity, dignity, service, and hard work, and their example is one that inspires the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, Labor Day was established in 1894 on the first Monday in September as an official holiday to honor working people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the many contributions that working men and women have made and continue to make in Virginia and the nation, whose hard work strengthens the Spirit of Virginia helping make Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 4, 2023, as LABOR DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.