RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement ahead of Independence Day 2026.

"As we mark 250 years of independence, we reflect on the enduring principles that inspired our nation - liberty, self-government, and the lasting belief that we can shape our own future. For a quarter millennium, we have aspired to those founding ideals - sustaining our experiment in representative democracy at home and serving as a beacon of freedom and opportunity across the world.

"This weekend, I join Virginians in reflecting on this history - and on the common bonds uniting our Commonwealth and our country. 250 years of progress that has never once moved in a perfectly straight line - of rights won and setbacks endured, of hurdles and hardships and bitter division, and of ordinary people who kept going anyway. We honor the service and sacrifice of Veterans and service members who have safeguarded these ideals at home and abroad, and the generations of Americans who have strengthened our nation and expanded our democracy.

"Our Commonwealth has always stood at the center of this story. To all Virginians, I hope you have a joyous and meaningful Independence Day weekend with family and loved ones."

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Tomorrow, July 4, Governor Abigail Spanberger will join Virginians at Monticello and in Williamsburg to celebrate the semiquincentennial - delivering remarks reflecting on our nation's founding, the enduring promise of America, and the responsibility each generation carries to build a more perfect union.

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