A New Commander-in-Chief: Virginia Inaugurates Governor Abigail Spanberger

Editor's Note: A video of the full inaugural ceremony, parade, and other events is available with the online version of this article on The Cadet website at www.cadetnewspaper.org. Inaugural Ceremony and Oath Under grey skies and a light drizzle on Saturday, January 17, Abigail Spanberger took the oath of office on the South Portico of Virginia's historic Capitol, making history as the Commonwealth's 75th governor and first woman to hold its highest office. She took this oath in front of thousands of in-person spectators, and many more were watching remotely. Selected guests joined the Virginia General Assembly in the VIP stands behind the podium, while lottery-selected guests spectated from across the parade route in bleachers. The Cadet Staff secured a spot on the riser directly across the podium with other state, local, and national media, providing a great vantage point for the ceremony and parade. Overall, this event could primarily be described with one phrase: "making history". The event was brought to order by The Honorable Don Scott, Virginia Speaker of the House, officially beginning the inaugural ceremony. Mr. Speaker introduced the three elects and special guests into the event. The ceremony intertwined historic tradition with inclusive touches. The Girl Scouts of Virginia led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, and a student choir from Henrico's Hermitage High School gave a moving rendition of "Shenandoah". Two F-22 Raptors from the Virginia Air National Guard performed a flyover, symbolizing military power supported by Virginians. An invocation was delivered by Father Jim Curran of Norfolk's Basilica of St. Mary, reflecting the event's interfaith outreach. It was at this time that Governor Spanberger stepped forward to the podium, with her family surrounding her, and took the oath of office. With her left hand resting on her grandmother's Bible at the noon ceremony, Spanberger was sworn in by William C. Mims, Senior Justice of the Virginia Supreme Court. Spanberger's inauguration brought several other firsts to Virginia's executive branch. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi was sworn in alongside her using The Quran, becoming the first Indian-born and first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the U.S. Hon. Jay Jones took office as Attorney General, now the first Black person to hold that post in Virginia. All three officials are Democrats, signaling a power shift in Richmond as Spanberger succeeded outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. A bipartisan array of dignitaries looked on from the VIP stands. Six former Virginia governors – including L. Douglas Wilder, the state's first Black governor, celebrating his 95th birthday – attended the ceremony and received a warm tribute from Spanberger. L. Douglas Wilder's presence at the event marked the mutual respect for those making history. Also present were U.S. Senators (and ex-Governors) Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, while former U.S. Senator Chuck Robb was noted as the only living Virginia governor absent. After Justice Mims administered the oath and Spanberger delivered her speech, members of Virginia's Indian tribes performed a Blessing of the Ground, a traditional Indigenous dance to honor the moment and the land. The tribes were dressed in traditional attire, adorned with feathers, face paint, jewelry, and other symbolic pieces. In another nod to the state's diversity, a Northern Virginia Muslim youth group, ADAMS Beat, sang "This Land Is Your Land" in harmony. The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Rev. Lance Watson of Richmond's St. Paul's Baptist Church, invoking unity and hope for the new administration. As "Madam Governor" Spanberger (as she will now formally be addressed) waved to the cheering crowd alongside her husband, Adam, and their three young daughters. Many noted the profound significance: in the very plaza designed by Thomas Jefferson, a woman was taking charge as Virginia's Governor for the first time in 245 years. Inaugural Address directed to Virginia's Communities Governor Spanberger took the podium for 25-minutes addressing the common Virginian. The speech began with a standard address to those in attendance, named and unnamed, and stated it is an honor to be present at a uniquely American tradition. A special thanks was given to all Virginians, past and present, who served the Commonwealth of Virginia and defended the freedom of the United States. Patrick Henry, the 2nd Governor of Virginia, famously said, "United we stand, divided we fall." This quote was referenced in the speech when Governor Spanberger spoke about how divisions still challenge Virginians today. The Governor also referenced Governor Linwood Holton when, "on these steps, he proclaimed, and I'm quoting, 'No longer can we be divided into opposing camps of political philosophy. The time for partisan politics is over. It's time now for leadership, for action, for progress through unity." An emphasis on seeking unity with another, which Spanberger repeated often. Historical breakthrough is another significant theme of the address, with continual acknowledgement of the trailblazers who went before her. Governor Spanberger referenced the 19th Amendment, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1960 address in Richmond, and Governor L. Douglas Wilder, the first African American governor who took office in 1990. Spanberger spoke about how societal firsts take time, describing, "while the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920, it would not be until 1952 that Virginia finally ratified it." She described how none of this would be possible today without the road paved by those before her. The address led into more direct political issues during the midsection. Governor Spanberger namelessly denounced the current presidential administration, stating, "I know many of you are worried about the recklessness coming out of Washington. You are worried about policies that are hurting our communities, cutting health care access, imperiling rural hospitals, and driving up costs. You are worried about Washington policies that are closing off markets, hurting innovation and private industry, and attacking those who have devoted their lives to public service. You are worried about an administration that is gilding buildings while schools crumble, breaking, breaking, breaking the social safety net and sowing fear across our communities, betraying the values of who we are as Americans." This quote anticipates future state policies that will likely oppose those implemented by the Trump Administration. Virginia will chart a different course than Washington DC under the new Governor. During the speech, the Governor did not directly address VMI or allude to her plans. The new governor closed with an impassioned pledge to "work tirelessly" for all Virginians and to lead a "pilgrimage of promise, progress and prosperity" rather than politics as usual. She finished her speech in an American fashion, expressing, "May God bless the Commonwealth of Virginia, and may God bless the United States of America." Inaugural Parade Celebrates Virginia's Diversity Moments after the swearing-in, the inaugural parade stepped off in Capitol Square, giving Virginians a joyous, living display of the state's diversity. More than 25 groups from across Virginia marched or performed, as Governor Spanberger and her family watched from the review stand and occasionally joined in the applause. Leading the procession was a detachment of the Virginia National Guard, carrying the flags of the United States and Virginia. Virginia Military Institute followed fast, as they rolled through around 1,200 cadets strong. The Corps consisted of 3 battalions, Pipe band, and Regimental band, by far the largest group in the parade. The Cadet Staff observed and reported from the media riser directly across from the governor, witnessing the Corps demonstrate great drill and ceremony. Cadet Darell Hagerman '26 spoke about needing to "make sure everything's perfect, we all look good out here so we're representing VMI in a good way." The importance of representing the Corps well to the new Governor cannot be underestimated. Making an impression on a state-wide stage matters to the new Commander-in-Chief of VMI, as state funding for VMI is already threatened by a proposed Bill in the General Assembly. During the pass in review, Governor Spanberger appeared to enjoy the Corps marching, smiling and clapping to the beat of "The Spirit" and "Shenandoah" played by the VMI bands. Spanberger's alma mater, J. R. Tucker High School Marching Tigers, showed out to honor the Tiger turned Governor. Traditional Bollywood dancers in vibrant dress performed courtesy of the Cultural Center of India, earning applause for celebrating the state's Indian-American community. The Girl Scouts, fresh from leading the pledge at the inauguration, strode with scouts from around Virginia. The parade also featured employees from Virginia's NASA centers (Langley and Wallops Flight Facility) along with an astronaut wearing a space suit. A unit of 4-H youth on horseback showcased the state's agricultural roots. Additionally, a high-stepping All-Star Step team representing the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Virginia State University highlighted the legacy of Black fraternities and sororities. 12 Virginia Public University team mascots showed up, featuring Moe the Kangaroo, who gave a crisp salute to the crowd. Many more Virginia organizations marched and performed, each one representing different cultures, opportunities, and services. Norfolk State University Spartan "Legion" Marching Band closed the parade with a vibrant musical performance. With special permission from Governor Spanberger's Communications and Marketing Director, Cadet Patrick Lowry '27 walked alongside the Corps, capturing the entire experience on video for VMI. In the media building, Cadet Gracie Harlow '27 handled the livestream and learned behind-the-scenes operations. Up in the media riser were Cadets Elizabeth Stann '28 and August Melschau '27; they filmed and photographed the event from start to finish. The media riser provided a clear oversight of the ceremony and parade. Special thanks to the Inaugural Committee, The Cadet Foundation, supporting alumni, and those unnamed for their support during this event. Please consider donating to help The Cadet remain independent at www.thecadetfoundation.org. We do not receive any funds from VMI or VMI AA, remaining true to our founding to be the independent voice of the Corps and alumni since 1871.