[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 194 (Thursday, November 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER VIRGINIA GOVERNOR, LINWOOD HOLTON, JR.

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                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 2021

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I take this 
time to remember former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton Jr., who 
passed away on October 28, 2021. Linwood was the state of Virginia's 
first Republican governor elected post-Reconstruction, and his tireless 
efforts for political cooperation between the two parties led to 
progress that would impact not only the Commonwealth, but the entire 
nation.
  Linwood's love for politics was sparked at a young age. In high 
school, he was involved in a mock government program that was run 
through Virginia Tech. It was at this point that Linwood realized his 
long-term goal in life was to serve as governor of Virginia. He then 
began his studies at Washington and Lee, but in 1943, he entered the 
Navy as an engineering officer, serving with the Submarine Force. After 
the war, Linwood finished his undergraduate degree at Washington and 
Lee and was admitted to Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1949.
  Throughout Linwood's time as Governor from 1970 through 1974, he was 
a champion for civil rights that led the effort to end racial 
discrimination in Virginia. He was the first governor of Virginia to 
appoint black individuals to high-level government posts. He also led 
by example during the integration of public schools in Virginia, when 
he sent his children to schools being integrated.
  Linwood's life was filled with patriotism and public service. Linwood 
believed in two-party cooperation, often reaching across the aisle to 
consider and enact state-wide policies that would benefit Virginians. 
He will be missed for his passion for change, but his impact will live 
on.
  He is survived by his wife Virginia, his four children, Anne, Tayloe, 
Woody, and Dwight, and several grandchildren. His son-in-law, Senator 
Tim Kaine, continues his legacy of public service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we 
recognize the many contributions of Linwood Holton, Jr.

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