WHEREAS, the Chincoteague Pony Penning, first held in 1925, celebrates its 100th consecutive year in 2025 as one of the Commonwealth’s most beloved and enduring traditions; and

WHEREAS, this treasured Eastern Shore event honors the spirit, beauty, and cultural heritage of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, drawing tens of thousands of visitors annually to witness the world-famous Pony Swim, the spirited Pony Parade, and the beloved Pony Auction; and

WHEREAS, Assateague Island, Virginia, is the historic home of a wild pony herd whose population must be carefully managed to preserve the island’s delicate natural resources and ecological balance; and

WHEREAS, for a century, the people of Chincoteague have demonstrated remarkable stewardship by carrying out a time-honored and community-led event that ensures the health of the herd and the protection of the land; and

WHEREAS, the annual Pony Auction plays a vital dual role—supporting local charities and the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, while also reducing herd size to safeguard the island’s environment; and

WHEREAS, traditions such as the “Buy Back” ponies—auctioned with the promise of returning to the wild after being named by their winning bidders—further reflect the care, reverence, and conservation-minded spirit of this event; and

WHEREAS, the Chincoteague Pony Penning transforms the island into a vibrant gathering place that celebrates family, heritage, and the enduring power of Virginia’s rural traditions; and

WHEREAS, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and the residents of Chincoteague Island are commended for their tireless dedication to preserving this extraordinary tradition for future generations; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the 100th Annual Chincoteague Pony Penning as a living symbol of its cultural richness, natural splendor, and the values that define and strengthen the Spirit of Virginia;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize the 100^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHINCOTEAGUE PONY PENNING in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I welcome all participants and visitors to this historic celebration on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.