Title 2.2. Administration of Government
Subtitle II. Administration of State Government
Chapter 33. State Holidays and Other Special Days
Chapter 33. State Holidays and Other Special Days.
§ 2.2-3300. Legal holidays.It is the policy of the Commonwealth to fix and set aside certain days in the calendar year as legal holidays for the people of Virginia. In each year, the following days are designated as legal holidays:
January 1 — New Year's Day.
The third Monday in January — Martin Luther King, Jr., Day to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., (1929-1968), defender of causes.
The third Monday in February — George Washington Day to honor George Washington (1732-1799), the first President of the United States.
The last Monday in May — Memorial Day to honor all persons who made the supreme sacrifice in giving their lives in defense of Virginia and the United States in the following wars and engagements and otherwise: Indian Uprising (1622), French and Indian Wars (1754-1763), Revolutionary War (1775-1783), War of 1812 (1812-1815), Mexican War (1846-1848), Civil War (1861-1865), Spanish-American War (1898), World War I (1917-1918), World War II (1941-1945), Korean War (1950-1953), Vietnam War (1965-1973), Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm (1990-1991), Global War on Terrorism (2000- ), Operation Enduring Freedom (2001- ), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003- ). On this day all flags, national, state, and local, shall be flown at half-staff or half-mast to honor and acknowledge respect for those who made the supreme sacrifice.
June 19 — Juneteenth to commemorate the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas, the last of the former Confederate States of America to abolish slavery, and to recognize the significant roles and many contributions of African Americans to the Commonwealth and the nation.
July 4 — Independence Day to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The first Monday in September — Labor Day to honor all people who work in Virginia.
The second Monday in October — Columbus Day and Yorktown Victory Day to honor Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), a discoverer of the Americas, and the final victory at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, in the Revolutionary War.
The Tuesday following the first Monday in November — Election Day for the right of citizens of a free society to exercise the right to vote.
November 11 — Veterans Day to honor all persons who served in the Armed Forces of Virginia and the United States in the following wars and engagements and otherwise: Indian Uprising (1622), French and Indian Wars (1754-1763), Revolutionary War (1775-1783), War of 1812 (1812-1815), Mexican War (1846-1848), Civil War (1861-1865), Spanish American War (1898), World War I (1917-1918), World War II (1941-1945), Korean War (1950-1953), Vietnam War (1965-1973), Operation Desert Shield-Desert Storm (1990-1991), Global War on Terrorism (2000- ), Operation Enduring Freedom (2001- ), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003- ).
The fourth Thursday in November and the Friday next following — Thanksgiving Day to honor and give thanks in each person's own manner for the blessings bestowed upon the people of Virginia and honoring the first Thanksgiving in 1619.
December 25 — Christmas Day.
Whenever any of such days falls on Saturday, the Friday next preceding such day, or whenever any of such days falls on Sunday, the Monday next following such day, and any day so appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth or the President of the United States, shall be a legal holiday as to the transaction of all business.
Code 1950, § 2-19; 1954, c. 328; 1958, c. 167; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-21; 1970, c. 682; 1972, c. 114; 1973, c. 421; 1978, c. 7; 1982, c. 325; 1984, c. 671; 1989, c. 190; 1992, c. 622; 1993, cc. 177, 872; 2000, cc. 392, 454; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 860; 2020, cc. 417, 418; 2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 4, 5.
No contract made, instrument executed, or act done on any of the legal holidays named in § 2.2-3300 or on any Saturday shall be thereby rendered invalid. Nothing in § 2.2-3300 shall be construed to prevent or invalidate the entry, issuance, service or execution of any writ, summons, confession, judgment, order or decree, or other legal process whatever, or the session of the proceedings of any court or judge on any of the legal holidays or Saturdays nor to prevent any bank, banker, banking corporation, firm or association from keeping their doors open and transacting any lawful business on any of the legal holidays or Saturdays.
Code 1950, § 2-20; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-22; 2001, c. 844.
The nineteenth day of October of each year shall be recognized and celebrated as Yorktown Day throughout the Commonwealth. The observance of Yorktown Day shall not be considered a paid state holiday.
1983, c. 540, § 2.1-21.1; 2001, c. 844.
A. The twenty-sixth day of January of each year shall be recognized and celebrated as Motherhood and Apple Pie Day throughout the Commonwealth. Upon this date, all citizens of the Commonwealth are urged to reflect upon the need to continue efforts to reduce the state's infant mortality rate to preserve our heritage and to ensure the health and well-being of future generations.
B. On the third Thursday of every session of the Virginia General Assembly, the General Assembly shall give proper recognition to Motherhood and Apple Pie Day in the Commonwealth.
1989, c. 114, § 2.1-21.2; 2001, c. 844.
The Governor may issue annually a proclamation calling upon state officials to display the flag of the United States and of the Commonwealth on all public buildings, and the people of the Commonwealth to display such flags at their homes and other suitable places on the second Sunday in May, known as "Mother's Day," as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the Commonwealth.
Code 1950, § 2-21; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-24; 2001, c. 844.
The first full week of May preceding Mother's Day of each year shall be designated as Little League Baseball Challenger Week in Virginia.
2006, c. 109.
The first Thursday in May of each year shall be designated the "Commonwealth Day of Prayer" and shall be a day on which the people of the Commonwealth may turn to God in prayer and meditation and may celebrate the religious freedom secured for them by the laws of the Commonwealth and nation.
The last Friday in April of each year shall be designated and known as "Arbor Day."
Code 1950, § 2-22; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-25; 1993, c. 222; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 242.
The third Saturday in April of each year shall be known and designated as "Dogwood Day."
1952, c. 111, § 2-22.1; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-26; 2001, c. 844.
Martha Washington's birthday, the second day of June of each year, shall be designated as First Lady's Day in Virginia in special tribute to Martha Washington as America's first First Lady and to each of her successors as First Ladies of this Nation. Upon this date, in perpetuity, all citizens, groups and appropriate agencies in and of the Commonwealth and of the nation are urged to reflect upon and give appropriate recognition to the magnificent contribution of this Nation's First Ladies to the heritage of the United States.
1960, c. 245, § 2-22.3; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-27; 2001, c. 844.
The seventh day of December of each year shall be designated as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth in special tribute to those members of our armed forces who lost their lives, and also to those who survived, the attack on Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, December 7, 1941. Upon this date, in perpetuity, all citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation are urged to pay homage to the members of our armed forces for the manner in which they bore the attack.
1983, c. 247, § 2.1-27.2; 2001, c. 844.
A. In recognition of the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in World War II, the first full week in September, i.e., the week that was the first full official week of peace in 1945, shall hereby be designated the Virginia World War II Veterans Appreciation Week, beginning in September 2001.
In accordance with the Board of Education's guidelines as authorized by § 22.1-17.4, any veteran of World War II may apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing with the Virginia Board of Education a statement declaring that:
1. During the years between 1939 and 1945, he served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and was subsequently honorably discharged;
2. He was drafted or did enlist in the United States Armed Forces while still enrolled as a secondary school student in any school in any state or territory of the United States or any school located on or associated with a United States military base or embassy; and
3. He was unable to resume his secondary education upon returning to civilian life.
B. In recognition of the sacrifice of the members of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Korean War, the first full week in November shall hereby be designated the Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week, beginning in November 2002.
In accordance with the Board of Education's guidelines as authorized by § 22.1-17.4, any veteran of the Korean War may apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing with the Virginia Board of Education a statement declaring that:
1. During the years between 1950 and 1953, he served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and was subsequently honorably discharged;
2. He enlisted in or was drafted into the United States Armed Forces while still enrolled as a secondary school student in any school in any state or territory of the United States or any school located on or associated with a United States military base or embassy; and
3. He was unable to resume his secondary education upon returning to civilian life.
C. Upon receiving a statement in compliance with this section and § 22.1-17.4 that has been filed in accordance with its guidelines, the Board of Education shall award the veteran described in subsections A or B, a Commonwealth of Virginia World War II Veteran Honorary High School Diploma or a Commonwealth of Virginia Korean War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma, as appropriate. Such diploma shall also be delivered during Virginia World War II Veterans Appreciation Week or Virginia Korean War Veterans Appreciation Week, as appropriate.
A. The first full week of November of each year shall be designated as Vietnam War Memorial Dedication Week and Veterans' Recognition Week in the Commonwealth, to honor in perpetuity the men and women who have served their country as members of the armed forces during the Vietnam War.
B. In accordance with the Board of Education's guidelines as authorized by § 22.1-17.4, any veteran of the Vietnam War may apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing with the Virginia Board of Education a statement declaring that:
1. During the years between 1959 and 1975, he served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and was subsequently honorably discharged;
2. He enlisted in or was drafted into the United States Armed Forces while still enrolled as a secondary school student in any school in any state or territory of the United States or any school located on or associated with a United States military base or embassy; and
3. He was unable to resume his secondary education upon returning to civilian life.
C. Upon receiving a statement in compliance with this section and § 22.1-17.4 that has been filed in accordance with its guidelines, the Board of Education shall award the veteran described in subsection B a Commonwealth of Virginia Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma. Such diploma shall also be delivered during Virginia Vietnam War Memorial Dedication and Veterans' Recognition Week in the Commonwealth.
1984, c. 691, § 2.1-27.3; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 684; 2009, c. 66.
It is the sense of the General Assembly that members of the armed forces of the United States who are or were prisoners of war or reported missing in action should be honored and remembered for their service and sacrifice. In observance of that service and sacrifice, all agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth shall display the POW/MIA flag on public buildings on the following days each year:
Armed Forces Day -- the third Saturday in May.
Memorial Day -- the last Monday in May.
Flag Day -- June 14.
Independence Day -- July 4.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day -- the third Friday in September.
Veterans Day -- November 11.
2001, c. 835, § 2.1-27.3:1.
The flag of the former Republic of Vietnam, with three horizontal red stripes on a field of golden-yellow, which symbolizes freedom and democracy and represents the cultural heritage of Vietnamese-Americans, is recognized by the Commonwealth as the Vietnamese-American Heritage Flag.
2004, c. 970.
The 11th day of May of each year shall be designated and recognized as Vietnam Human Rights Day in support of efforts by the Non-Violent Movement for Human Rights in Vietnam to achieve freedom and human rights for the people of Vietnam.
2009, c. 489.
The Friday before Mother's Day of each year shall be designated as a day of recognition for early childhood and day-care providers and professionals to acknowledge the contributions of and pay tribute to early childhood and day-care providers and professionals who serve the children of the Commonwealth.
The second Wednesday of every June shall be designated as a day of recognition to acknowledge the contributions of and pay tribute to direct care staffs and members of other professions that provide dedicated assistance and health care services to enhance the quality of life of persons receiving long-term care in the Commonwealth.
2005, c. 454.
The eighth day of April of each year shall be designated as a day of recognition for bone marrow donor programs to acknowledge the critical value of these initiatives in facilitating bone marrow transplant therapy and to increase awareness among the citizens of the Commonwealth regarding opportunities to participate in these programs as donors and volunteers.
1992, c. 605, § 2.1-27.7; 2001, c. 844.
The Saturday of the last week in October of each year shall be designated and known as "Virginia Drug Free Day" to recognize and support education about the dangers of drug abuse, the penalties for drug crimes, the availability of substance abuse programs, and the need to eradicate drug abuse in Virginia's communities.
The fifteenth day of December of each year shall be designated and known as the "Bill of Rights Day" in recognition of the ratification of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.
The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting the seventeenth day of September as Citizenship Day and September seventeen through twenty-three as Constitution Week and recommending that they be observed by the Commonwealth with appropriate exercises in the schools and otherwise so that the eventful day on which the Constitution of the United States was formally adopted may forever remain enshrined in the hearts and minds of all citizens and so that they may be reminded on that date annually of the blessings of liberty that they enjoy by the adoption of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all other amendments thereto.
1974, c. 531, § 2.1-24.1; 2001, c. 844.
Each year, the Governor may take suitable public notice of October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. He may issue a proclamation in which:
1. He comments upon the significance of the white cane;
2. He calls upon the citizens of the Commonwealth to observe the provisions of the White Cane Law and to take precautions necessary to the safety of the disabled;
3. He reminds the citizens of the Commonwealth of the policies with respect to the disabled herein declared and urges the citizens to cooperate in giving effect to them; and
4. He emphasizes the need of the citizens to be aware of the presence of disabled persons in the community and to keep safe and functional for the disabled the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, other public places, places of public accommodation, amusement and resort, and other places to which the public is invited, and to offer assistance to disabled persons upon appropriate occasions.
1972, c. 156, § 63.1-171.5; 2002, c. 747.
The second full week of April of each year shall be designated as Landscape Architecture Week in Virginia in recognition of the value and importance of the profession of landscape architecture, which encourages environmental stewardship, promotes energy conservation, enhances the preservation of the Commonwealth's historical heritage, and ensures that the place known as Virginia is preserved through wise design, management, and maintenance of its landscape.
The Virginia Championship Applebutter Making Contest, held in Winchester in conjunction with the Rotary Club's Apple Harvest Festival, shall be the third week in September of each year.
1983, c. 95, § 2.1-27.1; 2001, c. 844.
January nineteenth through February twenty-second, both inclusive of each year, shall be designated as Virginia and American History Month in special tribute to the founders, builders, and preservers of the Commonwealth and Nation.
1960, c. 354, § 2-22.4; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-28; 2001, c. 844.
The month of November shall be designated as "American Indian Month" in Virginia, to honor the culture and heritage of the American Indian, to recognize the historic and continuing contribution of that heritage to American society, and in particular to commemorate the special place of the tribes native to Virginia in the life and history of the Commonwealth. Further, the Wednesday immediately preceding Thanksgiving of each year is designated a special Day of Appreciation for American Indians residing in the Commonwealth.
1987, c. 292, § 2.1-27.4; 1988, c. 685; 1996, c. 1020; 1997, c. 451; 2001, c. 844.
The month of May shall be designated as the "Month for Children" in Virginia to focus on children's special contributions to family, school, and community; to counter the manifold ills that afflict children in the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world; and to encourage the citizens of Virginia to rededicate themselves and to redouble their efforts to improve the lives and ensure the futures of children everywhere.
The Annual Front Royal and Warren County Mushroom Festival, in conjunction with the Appalachian Mushroom Growers Association's annual meeting, is designated as the Virginia Mushroom Festival, and shall be designated as the official state mushroom festival within the Commonwealth.
1987, c. 593, § 2.1-27.5; 2001, c. 844.
The offices of all state officers, departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, divisions and institutions in the executive branch of state government required by law to maintain regular business quarters at the seat of government shall be kept open for the transaction of public business in accordance with executive orders issued by the Governor.
This section shall not apply to the offices of the legislative and judicial departments of the state government.
Code 1950, § 2-23; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-29; 2001, c. 844.
