Most states in the United States have a little quote, saying, or slogan that describes something about it. For example, Florida is known as the “Sunshine State,” Georgia is known as the “Peach State,” and Illinois is the home of the “Windy City.” Along with these sayings is the “Virginia is for lovers.” Virginians buy bumper stickers, magnets, shirts, and other products that display this quote, demonstrating loyalty and pride in their state. In order to expand on this saying of “Virginia is for lovers,” Virginians developed a campaign this year. The campaign is known as LOVEworks.

LOVEworks was created in order to prove that “love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation” (Virginia.org). So not only does this project display the known saying of “Virginia is for lovers,” but it also shows that anywhere in the state, this saying is true. A big white sign with the letters: L, O, V, E, is displayed in different towns and cities across the state. Vacationers and homeowners take pictures of the signs with their families and friends, displaying the purpose of the campaign. Some cites where this sign appears are: Blacksburg, Norfolk, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Lynchburg, cities in northern Virginia, and Richmond. Whenever people see one of these signs, they are able to take pictures and actually share them on the Virginia.com website in order to spread the campaign. Along with the presence of the signs, the campaign “hits the road” and hosts events in different cities in Virginia. For example, from June 24 to July 6, LOVEworks was stationed in Reston Town Center in northern Virginia. The event that they held consisted of fire games and learning more about law enforcement from police officers and firemen. The next stop on the campaign is Clarksville, where LOVEworks will host a lake festival. More information about events, the campaign, and locations can be found on Virginia.com.

This campaign displays how no matter where in the state you are, the word “love” follows. When someone is having a bad day, sometimes, one just needs to know that he or she is loved, cared for, and supported. The LOVEworks campaign desires that everyone feel that sense of love and comfort throughout the state, no matter if they live in Virginia or are just passing through. This campaign yields a different meaning for everyone, but people are able to be with their loved ones. This campaign could encourage other states to develop some events regarding their slogans in order to unite the state and the people visiting or living in them. It is nice that for a vacation or just a day out, families and friends are able to see the sign, snap a picture, post that picture to social media or keep it for memories, and remember that moment when love was not only seen but, also felt.