WASHINGTON, June 18 -- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito issued the following press release:

Ahead of West Virginia Day, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released a video message commemorating the state's 163rd birthday, encouraging West Virginians to celebrate the state's heritage and take pride in being a citizen of the Mountain State.

Full video transcript included below:

"Well, one-hundred and sixty-three years ago, West Virginia was formally admitted as the 35th state in the Union, establishing a land where those in the mountains, will indeed, always be free.

"All across our state, you feel a common bond-a pride that cannot be replaced-about being a citizen of the Mountain State.

"Together, we are proud of something larger than...