On July 30, 2025, the President commemorated 406 years since the first representative legislative assembly convened in the New World. The event took place in 1619, when early English settlers gathered in Jamestown, Virginia, to pass laws for their growing colony—marking the beginning of American self-governance.

In his message, the President reflected on:

• The enduring values of liberty, accountability, and civic representation.
• The legacy of Virginia’s House of Delegates, which continues today as a symbol of democratic resilience.
• The nation’s journey from that wooden church meeting to the modern halls of Congress.

As the U.S. approaches its 250th independence anniversary, the message underscored how the principles of representative government remain central to the country’s identity and future.