“Today, we officially celebrate Veterans Day, but in Virginia, every day is Veterans Day. May we never forget to pause and reflect on the noble sacrifices of the best among us,” Governor Glenn Youngkin.

On Wednesday, Governor Youngkin reminded Virginians that we have accomplished a lot together on a bipartisan basis over the last two years – lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, empowering parents, improving our behavioral health system, supporting law enforcement and so much more. Governor Youngkin remains optimistic that together we will continue on a path that will make Virginia the best place to live, work and raise a family. The Spirit of Virginia lives on.

On the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, Governor Youngkin reflected back on 248 years of heroes who defended our freedoms with a sense of commitment that very few are willing to make. As is customary at Marine Corps birthday celebrations, the first piece of cake was given to the guest of honor, Governor Youngkin. The second to the oldest Marine present in the Patrick Henry Building who then in turn passed it on to the youngest Marine present. A tradition which emphasizes the fact that Marines care for their young Marines before they look to their own needs. 

Happy Birthday United States Marine Corps!

On Wednesday, First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin attended the first-of-its-kind “Girls with Pearls” gathering.  The “Girls with Pearls” program is a collaboration between Petersburg’s Blandford Academy, Communities in Schools (CIS), and volunteers who are partnered with the First Lady’s office. “Girls with Pearls” is built on the premise that sixth-grade learners benefit from engagement with mentors, and mentors are equally blessed by spending time with inquisitive young girls. These once-monthly gatherings will serve as an opportunity to socialize and engage on important health and wellbeing topics that Mrs. Youngkin has stressed through her W+g initiative.  Girls who complete the program are awarded a strand of pearls — a symbol of solidarity and sisterhood. 

In line with the First Lady’s dedication to the well-being of Virginia families, Mrs. Youngkin recently promoted Foundation Fatherhood, a Richmond nonprofit that provides resources to new dads.  Foundation Fatherhood offers a “New Dad 101” class that teaches husbands and fathers how to best support their partners through the stages of parenthood.  Classes are offered in-person and virtually to better reach all interested parties.  The First Lady also shared an opportunity for people to submit names of deserving dads to the Foundation for a chance for their families to earn a visit from Saint Nicholas, be treated to dinner, be provided presents for their children, and be given a gift card during the holiday season.  Read more details on Mrs. Youngkin’s Instagram: @suzanneyoungkin or on her Facebook page: Suzanne S. Youngkin’s Sisterhood in LIFE.

Governor Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined other elected officials and a small but impressive percentage of Virginia's 700,000 veterans at Warriors Taphouse in Virginia Beach. Together, they shared a meal, honored military heroes, cut an anniversary cake for Marines and made a case for all veterans to stay in Virginia! 

This Veterans Day, we honor heroes like Paul Galanti, a Vietnam War POW who endured torturous imprisonment for six and a half years in North Vietnam. In 1973, Galanti was released and reunited with his wife Phyllis in Virginia, an outspoken advocate for American POWs. This year, First Lady Suzanne Youngkin had the privilege of meeting Paul and other brave men at the Executive Mansion for a reception commemorating the 50th anniversary of their homecoming and the 1973 reception hosted by Governor Linwood Holton, celebrating their safe return. To view this portrait of Paul and Phyllis Galanti, visit the Executive Mansion for a tour every Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or head to the Mansion’s website to learn more. 

Stay Up to Date with Governor Youngkin!

Stay Up to Date with The First Lady!