WHEREAS, the Honorable John Henry Hager, an esteemed public servant who was the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1998 to 2002, died on August 23, 2020; and

WHEREAS, born in Durham, North Carolina, John Hager graduated from Purdue University with a degree in mechanical engineering and later earned a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University; and

WHEREAS, a member of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps in college, John Hager enlisted with the United States Army and served his country with courage and valor, rising to the rank of captain; and

WHEREAS, following in his father's footsteps, John Hager enjoyed a long and successful career as an executive at the American Tobacco Company; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 36, John Hager contracted polio and lost the ability to walk; with an indefatigable resolve to overcome this challenge and give back to his community, he persevered to reach the highest echelons of public service; and

WHEREAS, active in the Republican Party for many years, John Hager was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 1997, making history as the first individual with a physical disability to serve in the position; and

WHEREAS, presiding over the Senate of Virginia, John Hager earned the respect of colleagues from both parties for his fair and efficient approach, his strict adherence to the rules and customs of the chamber, and his clear and unwavering dedication to the Commonwealth and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, John Hager sat on several committees and commissions and chaired the Virginia Disability Commission, advocating effectively for improvements in the areas of transportation, employment, and housing to support disabled Virginians and their families; and

WHEREAS, John Hager was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to serve as the first Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, coordinating the Commonwealth's security and emergency preparedness strategies and plans following the attacks on September 11; and

WHEREAS, nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services within the United States Department of Education, John Hager guided the federal government's efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities from 2004 to 2007; and

WHEREAS, a passionate proponent of his conservative values and principles, John Hager served as chair of the Virginia Republican Party from 2007 to 2008, leading his party with good sense, vision, and compassion; and

WHEREAS, Governor Ralph Northam ordered the Commonwealth's flag to be flown at half-staff for 10 days to honor the life and memory of John Hager, a testament to the deep and lasting impact he had on the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, John Hager will be dearly remembered and fondly missed by his loving wife, Margaret; his children, John and Henry, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable John Henry Hager, a former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia who inspired countless citizens of the Commonwealth through his determination, leadership, and grace; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable John Henry Hager as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.