The Virgin Islands commemorated the transfer of its ownership and citizenship from Denmark to the United States in a ceremony Friday on the grounds of the Legislature on St. Thomas — the site of the actual transfer 83 years ago.
Despite intermittent showers, the ceremony moved along unaffected except for a slight reordering of the program to accommodate the bands which sought cover from the light rainfall.
Gov. Charles Turnbull hailed the day as an opportunity for residents to examine the "American experience." While racial segregation and persecution of native Americans is a part of United States history, he said, nonetheless, "America is a good thing."
Noting that the rule of law has prevented tyranny, the governor said there is "much to be thankful for."
St. Croix educator Ruth Harrigan Beagles, in her keynote address, called on Virgin Islanders to unite. "As we focus on many positive features of our community and people," she said, "we must also determine to rid ourselves of the elements that threaten to rob us of the inheritance of our history."
Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark Terence Todman characterized the U.S. purchase of the islands in 1917 as an opportunity for residents to participate in "the American Dream." Todman, who spoke in both Danish and English, said that opportunity has not yet been seized. "We have had a lot of missed opportunities," he said. "We've had a lot of misfortune and misadventure, but the opportunity is still there."
Other speakers included Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen, Sen. Roosevelt David, Danish Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Morch and French Consul General Philippe Chatignoux.
A similar Transfer Day ceremony was held on St. Croix.
