History was made in Virginia this past Saturday, Jan. 17, as Abigail Spanberger, elected governor of Virginia, was inaugurated at Capitol Square in Richmond. The historical inauguration made her the first female governor of Virginia after 74 governors before her.
“The history and gravity of this moment are not lost on me. I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who work generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots,” Spanberger said.
Leading up to the official inauguration, Hermitage High School Choir opened the ceremony with a beautiful rendition of Shenandoah, a traditional American Folk Song, setting the stage for a moving inauguration. Shortly after, members of the Girl Scouts of the USA lead the pledge of allegiance. Hampton University Concert Choir took the floor thereafter to orchestrate a spectacular performance of the National Anthem. The audience held faces of pride, emotion, and hope.
“An inauguration ceremony like this one, with all its tradition, represents something profound. And in its origin something uniquely American, the peaceful transfer of power,” Spanberger said.
Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones were then sworn in and officially became Virginia’s Lieutenant governor and Attorney General. Both individuals made their own history. Ghazala Hashmi became the first Muslim woman and first South Asian American elected to statewide office in the U.S. Jay Jones became the first Black Attorney General in Virginia.
“We do not need to see eye to eye on every issue, to stand shoulder to shoulder on others,” Spanberger said.
The time came for Abigail Spanberger to officially become Virginas first Female governor. Surrounded by her three daughters, Claire, Charlotte, and Cathrine and her husband, Adam Spanberger, she was officially sworn in. All audience members rose into a standing ovation while cannons released in the field and planes flew above, symbolizing Virginia’s inauguration traditions. Spanberger then took the stage to address Virginia and give thanks to individuals who aided in her journey. Throughout her speech she pulled examples from Virginia’s history to connect them to her goals for the future of the commonwealth. Labeling it as, “The Next Chapter.”
“We will write this next chapter together because throughout our history no leader has ever made progress alone,” said Spanberger.
Following the inauguration, the inaugural parade through Capitol Square took place, showcasing over twenty different Virginian groups and concluded the historical inauguration of Abigail Spanberger, Virgina’s first female governor.
“I pledge myself to work tirelessly on behalf of our commonwealth,” said Spanberger.
