From the Code of Virginia:
§ 2.2-3300. Legal holidays.
The Friday preceding the third Monday in January - Lee-Jackson Day to honor Robert Edward Lee (1807-1870) and Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson (1824-1863), defenders of causes.
The Commonwealth's Attorney General, Bob McDonnell, released the following statement regarding today’s Lee-Jackson official state holiday in Virginia:
“Today, the Commonwealth commemorates the lives of two great Virginia military leaders, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Lee and Jackson were men of principle, dignity, courage, and humility.”
“They were good men and outstanding generals who lived in a different and tumultuous time when our nation was torn asunder. Their lives and accomplishments are worthy of remembrance by all Virginians. Generations of Americans have studied Lee and Jackson for their military prowess. Both received their training at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Lee would later serve as Superintendent of the school. Together, they embodied the best qualities of the American soldier. But those who are also aware of their personal attributes have taken their true measure. Perhaps Robert E. Lee’s greatest legacy is found not on the battlefields, but in the classrooms of the great Virginia university that bears his name and reflects his character. And Stonewall Jackson’s life, though cut short in the tragedy of war, is remarkable not just for the renowned Valley Campaign, but for how he valued faith and family foremost. The memories of these two leaders still echo across Virginia, and we can learn much from their lives. It is fitting that today we pause to remember these two outstanding Virginians, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.”
So honored they are.