Officials marked West Virginia’s 161st birthday Thursday with messages and tributes to their home among the hills.
They reminded residents of the state’s birth amid the turmoil of the Civil War, its long history as a provider of the nation’s energy and the enduring resiliency of its people’s spirits.
“Every June 20, West Virginians come together to celebrate the day we became our nation’s 35th state and honor our shared history, culture and the traditions we hold so dearly,” said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va. “The Mountain State was founded during the Civil War by brave patriots who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in a united pursuit of justice, freedom and opportunity for all.
“Ever since the historic beginning of our state, we have never failed to answer our country’s call. It was the courageous West Virginia coal miners who worked tirelessly to fuel the industrialization of America in the 19th and early 20th centuries, making us the most powerful nation in the world.”
Every West Virginian contributes to the state’s story, Manchin said.
“And on this West Virginia Day, I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to be proud of how far we’ve come and how far we will go,” he said.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., encouraged residents to celebrate the state’s history, connect with their communities and take in the beauty of the state’s natural resources.
“West Virginia has a unique story as the only state carved out of another, and it remains a place with some of the most wonderful people and the most beautiful destinations in the world,” she said. “Our people are kind, resilient and strong, and they offer those values and so much more to our whole country.”