Armistice Day. Whereas, It is appropriate that the people of Virginia join the people of the allied nations in a fitting observance of the first anniversary on November 11, 1919, of the signing of the armistice which brought to an end hostilities in the World War, and Whereas, Under authority of an Act of the General Assembly of Virginia, approved February 20, 1918, any day which is designated by the Governor as desirable to be observed as a holiday because of conditions incident to a state of war shall be considered as a public holiday; now Therefore, I, Westmoreland Davis, Governor of Virginia, do designate Tuesday, November 11, 1919, a public holiday to be observed as such as provided by law throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and to be known as Armistice Day. Given under my hand and under the Lesser Seal of the Commonwealth this sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and nineteen, and in the one hundred and forty-fourth year of the Commonwealth. By the Governor. WESTMORELAND DAVIS, Governor. Secretary of the Commonwealth. Thanksgiving Day. Whereas, In the dawn of this new era of the victory of democracy, right and justice over autocracy and crime there has come during the past year the promise of a peace pregnant with prosperity and happiness for the people of the world—a promise of human hope fulfilled; and Whereas, Virginia's gallant sons who so conspicuously served the State and Nation overseas, and survived the confict, have returned to us during the year-heroes one and all, resuming the duties and responsibilities of civil life with the same fortitude and spirit that carried them to victory on the field of battle; and Whereas, In this period of social and economic unrest the Commonwealth during the year has been spared the distress and injury of internal disorder, and has enjoyed great prosperity; now Therefore, I, Westmoreland Davis, Governor of Virginia, do proclaim Thursday, November 27, 1919, a public holiday to be observed as a day of Thanksgiving and prayer throughout the Commonwealth, and I call upon all the people of Virginia to gather on that day in their usual places of divine worship and there, as well as in the sacred confines of the home give thanks to the almighty for the cessation of hostilities and the promise of an enduring peace in the world: for the many blessings we have received at the hands of the Almighty and for the return of our sons from overseas—at the hour of prayer on this day of joyful thanksgiving, however, let our thoughts turn in grateful memory to our immortal dead who sleep on the battle fields of France. Given under my hand and under the Lesser Seal of the Commonwealth this twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and nineteen, and in the one hundred and forty-fourth year of the Commonwealth. By the Governor. WESTMORELAND DAVIS, Governor. B. O. JAMES, Secretary of the Commonwealth. Arbor Day. Whereas, It has been customary annually, in the Spring, for the Governor to designate by official proclamation a day to be known as Arbor Day, to be observed throughout Virginia as a day of planting of trees, shrubs and vines about the homes and public places, and along the public highways, to contribute to the economic wealth and attractive ness of the Commonwealth, and Whereas, By resolution of the General Assembly of Virginia, signed March 6, 1918, the American dogwood (cornus florida) is declared to be the floral emblem of the Commonwealth; now Therefore, I, Westmoreland Davis, Governor of Virginia, do hereby designate Tuesday, March 30, 1920, as Arbor Day; and I request the people of Virginia on this day to plant American dogwood about their homes, around all school buildings, in the public parks and cemeteries, in all other public places and along the public highways, and wherever the planting and cultivation of trees, shrubs, vines and flowers and of growing things will contribute to the greater happiness, to the beauty and to the economic and social well-being of our people and of the Commonwealth. Given under my hand and under the Lesser Seal of the Commonwealth this eighteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty, and in the one hundred and forty-fourth year of the Commonwealth. The American Legion will hold a campaign of education in Americanism and the duties of good citizenship, and to secure new members during the week of May 17th to 22nd, 1920. This organization is composed of those who served the country in the great war, and its purpose for good is well set forth in the preamble to its constitution, as follows: "For God and country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes. To uphold and defend the constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a onehundred-per-cent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the great war; to inculcate a sense of individual obligations to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanction our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfullness." Such ideals and such high civic purpose should receive the support of all who are entitled to become members of the Legion in order that the country may profit by their experience, sacrifice and patriotism in peace just as it has already done in the time of war. I heartily commend the American Legion and would have all join its ranks who are entitled to the privilege of its membership. Given under my hand and under the Lesser Seal of the Commonwealth this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty, and in the one hundred and forty-fourth year of the Commonwealth. Whereas, The Italy-American Society will celebrate throughout the United States on May 24th, 1920, the Fifth Anniversary of Italy's entrance into the World War; and Whereas, The people of America are grateful for the magnificent part Italy performed in winning the war; now Therefore, I, Westmoreland Davis, Governor of Virginia, do designate May 24th, 1920, to be observed as Italy-America Day in Virginia; and I invite the people of Virginia to join with our Italian citizens in an appropriate observance on this day of the fifth anniversary of Italy's entrance into the World War. Given under my hand and under the Lesser Seal of the Commonwealth this thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and twenty, and in the one hundred and forty-fourth year of the Commonwealth. By the Governor: B. O. JAMES, WESTMORELAND DAVIS, Governor. Secretary of the Commonwealth. |