With so many more important issues facing Virginians, we regret that the Governor and his hardworking staff are forced to spend any time scrutinizing this divisive and unnecessary legislation. Attempts to revoke our tax-exempt status are not only unjust but are acts of targeted discrimination. Stripping tax exemptions from specific organizations sets a dangerous precedent, and threatens the integrity of charitable, religious and historical groups across our state and nation.
When the Commonwealth of Virginia encouraged the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1950 to build our Headquarters here in Richmond, it did so with the expectation that we would provide educational resources for researchers, scholarships for deserving students, and financial gifts to other patriotic organizations while simultaneously caring for the relics, graves and the memorials of the men who went to war because Virginia and other states called them to duty. Our ancestors were American veterans who fought and sacrificed during a pivotal chapter in our nation’s history.
Since 1894, we remain committed to our objects of historical, educational, benevolent, memorial and patriotic while continuing to work with communities and expand our positive relationships throughout Virginia and The United States of America.
Julie N. Hardaway, President General (2024-2026)