Lee–Jackson Day

Former holiday in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Lee–Jackson Day was a state holiday in the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia, commemorating Confederate commanders, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Its observation was eliminated in 2020, replaced by Election Day as a state holiday.[1]

Origin and name changes

The holiday was first created in 1889 during the administration of Gov. Fitzhugh Lee, a former Confederate cavalry officer and nephew of Gen. Lee.[2] The original holiday was on Lee's birthday (January 19) until 1904, which brought the addition of Jackson's name and birthday (January 21).[3] The original intent of Lee-Jackson day was to celebrate Confederate Generals Lee and Jackson, who had fought to prolong slavery during the American Civil War.[4]

In 1983, the holiday was merged with the then-new federal holiday Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, as Lee–Jackson–King Day in Virginia; the merger was reversed in 2000 by Governor Jim Gilmore.[5][6]

Observation

Lee–Jackson Day was observed on the Friday immediately preceding Martin Luther King Jr. Day (the third Monday in January). Typical events included a wreath-laying ceremony with military honors, a Civil War themed parade, symposia, and a gala ball.[7][8] State offices were closed for both holidays.[9]

During the 2010s, various Virginia municipalities chose not to observe Lee–Jackson Day, including Charlottesville, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond, Winchester, and the Town of Blacksburg.[10][11][12]

Elimination

In early 2020 the newly elected Democratic Virginia General Assembly proposed ending the observance and designating Election Day as a replacement holiday. The Senate of Virginia voted in January to eliminate Lee–Jackson Day as a state holiday;[13][14][15] the legislation was passed a month later by the House of Delegates. Governor Ralph Northam approved the bill in March, to take effect in July.[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Lee-Jackson Day around the world in 2023". Office Holidays. Retrieved 2023-07-29.
  2. ^ Lefrak, Mikaela (January 12, 2018). "Why Does Virginia Celebrate Lee-Jackson Day?". Wamu 88.5. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  3. ^ Lefrak, Mikaela (January 12, 2018). "Why Does Virginia Celebrate Lee-Jackson Day?". Wamu 88.5. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  4. ^ Rankin, Sarah (February 24, 2020). "Va. Lawmakers Pass Bill Ending Lee-Jackson Holiday". NBC. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  5. ^ Wheeler, Linda (January 18, 1999). "Three Heroes, One Odd Holiday for Virginians". Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  6. ^ "LEE-JACKSON LEGACY SPURS CONTROVERSY IN VIRGINIA". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  7. ^ "Lee–Jackson Day". Virginia.org.
  8. ^ "Lee Jackson Day, Lexington VA".
  9. ^ "Pay and Holiday Calendar". Virginia DHRM. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  10. ^ "Charlottesville stops observance of Lee–Jackson Day". www.wdbj7.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  11. ^ "Town of Blacksburg Rules & Regulations Revisions July 11, 2017". Town of Blacksburg. Retrieved 12 December 2017.
  12. ^ Heim, Joe (2018-01-11). "Va. cities and counties increasingly want to make Lee-Jackson Day history". Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  13. ^ Vozzella, Laura (2020-01-21). "Virginia Senate votes to eliminate Lee-Jackson Day, create new Election Day holiday". Washington Post. Retrieved 2020-01-23.
  14. ^ Chesley, Roger (2020-01-28). "Holidays honoring Lee, Jackson, were always a slap in the face for black people". Virginia Mercury. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
  15. ^ "Confederate generals shouldn't be enshrined on the calendar". Washington Post. 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2020-01-30.
  16. ^ Virginia General Assembly SB 601 Legal holidays; Election Day
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