UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA
Case No. 2:11-ad-11111
_____________ ENTERED
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JUN 01 2026
IN RE: STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
IN COMMEMORATION OF RORY L PERRY 11, CLERK
U.S. o;strict Court
THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY Southern Olstrict of West Vlr lnla
OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
ORDER OF COMMEMORATION
AND
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
Federal law establishes public holidays for federal employees. These
holidays are observed through the granting of administrative leave to the staff of the
offices of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Inasmuch as Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the holiday will be
observed on Friday, July 3, 2026.
This year marks the Two Hundred Fiftieth Anniversary of the
Declaration of Independence and the founding of what has become our United States
of America. From humble beginnings, our Nation has endured and flourished because
generations of Americans have devoted their lives, labor, courage, and, in far too
many instances, their last full measure of devotion to the preservation of liberty and
the principles of self-government.
The liberties we enjoy are neither accidental nor self-sustaining. They
depend upon the continued fidelity of our leaders and our people to the Constitution
and upon the faithful service of those entrusted with the work of government. The
employees of this Court serve in that important tradition. Through their
professionalism, integrity, diligence, and commitment to excellence, they help ensure
that the federal judiciary fulfills its constitutional responsibility to administer justice
fairly, impartially, and faithfully under law. The Court is deeply grateful for their
service.
As we commemorate this historic anniversary, we are reminded that the
blessings of American liberty have come at an immeasurable cost. We remember
those who left their homes and families and lost their lives on distant battlefields;
those who suffered wounds, captivity, hardship, and lasting burdens in defense of our
Nation; and the families, friends, and loved ones who bore those sacrifices in grief
and quiet strength. We remember as well the extraordinary service of civilians who,
in moments of war, crisis, division, and uncertainty, labored, sacrificed, led, cared for
others, defended civil rights, preserved public order, and helped sustain the promise
of the Republic. And, again, we recognize the generations of federal employees who,
often without acclaim, have faithfully carried out the work of constitutional
government and helped ensure that the liberties secured at so great a cost are
preserved in practice as well as principle, at times with little to no recognition for
their invaluable efforts.
In special recognition of the Semiquincentennial of the United States of
America, and in appreciation of the dedicated service of the employees of this Court,
the offices of the United States District Court for the Southern District of West
Virginia shall be closed on Monday, July 6, 2026, and staff shall be granted
administrative leave for that day.
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Importantly, the Court encourages its employees, during this extended
Independence Day weekend, to take time to reflect upon the modest beginnings of our
Republic, the sacrifices of the countless Americans who secured and preserved our
liberty, and the blessings of citizenship in a Nation founded upon freedom, ordered
liberty, and the rule of law. May we remain thankful for our country, mindful of the
responsibility that accompanies its inheritance, and steadfast in our service to the
principles upon which it was founded.
It is so ORDERED.
ENTER: June 1, 2026
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