As West Virginia joins with all 50 states and U.S. territories in celebrating the 248th anniversary marking the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the state’s top leaders wished residents a happy 4th of July, with state employees getting Friday off.
In a statement Wednesday, Gov. Jim Justice – as well as his English bulldog Babydog – wished all West Virginians a happy Independence Day, encouraging people to travel the state.
“During this long weekend, I hope you all get the chance to discover the many wonders of Almost Heaven,” Justice said. “Our state is full of hidden gems just waiting to be explored, so take some time to go out and find them. Babydog and I wish everyone a safe and fun Independence Day weekend.”
Justice also issued a proclamation Wednesday making Friday a paid holiday for state employees, who were already off today. While Justice wished state employees a fun July 4th long weekend, he also encouraged everyone to remember West Virginians in the Armed Forces, military veterans, and those who have died in combat.
“We should all take time to reflect on all the sacrifices made by our veterans and active duty military members this Independence Day,” Justice said. “Their sacrifices are the reason we can celebrate the freedoms of this great nation. I hope all our state employees take time to reflect on this while spending time with their family and friends this weekend.”
In a video message released Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin. I-W.Va., echoed Justice’s remarks about honoring veterans and service members. Manchin, who switched party registration from Democrat to independent in June, also encouraged both sides of the political divide to unite and remember the things that bring Americans together.
“Independence Day is a time for us all to put aside our differences and come together as Americans to celebrate our great nation,” Manchin said. “On this day, we remember the brave heroes who were willing to take up arms, fight for our freedoms and create this great country 248 years ago. We also honor our brave servicemembers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. Their sacrifices prove that American ideals are worth fighting for, and they are an inspiration to us all.”
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., urged West Virginians to think on the words of the Declaration of Independence, which 12 out of the 13 original colonies signed two days earlier on July 2, 1776. The famed document, drafted by future U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, laid out the grievances of the 13 colonies over their treatment by King George III.
“On July 4th, 1776, America’s Founding Fathers laid the cornerstone of the most free and prosperous nation in the history of the world,” Capito said in her video message released Wednesday. “The Declaration of Independence cemented that we are all endowed by our creator with inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We owe all our founders, and the men and women who have fought to preserve our nation over the last 248 years, a great deal of thanks.”
In April, Capito was appointed to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission by America250, a non-partisan group planning events for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The commission was formed in 2016 to begin planning the massive celebration.
Every state has its own Semiquincentennial Commission. West Virginia’s was created by House Bill 2916, passed by the Legislature in 2021. The public commission includes 10 appointees of the governor, including citizen members, historians, and representatives of the sons and the daughters of the American Revolution. It also includes representatives of the Legislature; West Virginia’s congressional delegation, cabinet secretaries, and other state officials.
The next monthly meeting of the West Virginia Semiquincentennial Commission is Wednesday, July 17, at the Culture Center.