Technically June 20th is WV day. But I work for the state and this year since June 20th is a Sunday, they are observing WV day on June 21st. West Virginia is the only state to be birthed from the Civil War. During the Civil War, the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond chose to join the Confederate States of America, much to the chagrin of some of the leaders in the trans-Allegheny region of the state. These leaders gradually pushed for the creation of a new state. After two years of legal maneuvering, West Virginia was formally admitted to the United States of America on June 20, 1863, it is the only state created from another state without the parent state's permission, and that it is the only state to achieve statehood by the proclamation of a president (Abraham Lincoln). It was on June 20, 1863, the Reverend J.T. McLure offered the State's inaugural prayer. Referring to the fact that the State was created in the middle of the American Civil War, he prayed:
"We pray Thee, almighty God, that this State, born amidst tears and blood and fire and desolation, may long be preserved and from its little beginning may grow to be a might and a power that shall make those who come after us look upon it with joy and gladness and pride of heart."
If you have never been to West Virginia, you are missing a treat. Its beautiful country full of mountains and rivers. I often post pictures and will post again I am sure.
When I lived in North Carolina and was homesick this is the song I would listen too. I grew up hearing this song.
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