McEachin Statement on the Passing of Governor Linwood Holton

Richmond – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement on the passing of former Governor Linwood Holton:

Linwood Holton was our governor, a trailblazer, and the essence of what a leader should be. He stood up for what was right – he didn’t wait for others; he didn’t ask his party; he did what he knew was morally and ethically correct. He set an example for all Virginians. Although Governor Holton led our state fifty years ago, his actions still reverberate and inspire us today. When he walked his children into Richmond City public schools, setting an example of integration, tolerance, and fairness and showing Virginians that this must be our future – the future we should and must embrace – he changed our Commonwealth. Moreover, he was always kind, greeting everyone with a pleasant word and sincerely asking about them.

Governor Holton was a great Virginian who will be remembered for his words and his deeds. May we all strive to live up to his ethical standards and emulate his leadership.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing and comfort during this difficult time.

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