March 31, 2009 — Early Tuesday morning, local historian Myron Jackson was on the radio reading an article about a previous Transfer Day ceremony that looked like it was going to get washed out by an early morning rain.
"For a minute, I thought that was going to happen today," Jackson joked later as he mingled with the crowd gathered at the Legislature Building on St. Thomas for this year's Transfer Day ceremonies. "It really was pouring this morning. But, just like in the story, the sun came out and we were able to commemorate this significant event."
This year, the sun broke through the clouds about half an hour before the V.I. National Guard men and women made their traditional trek through the grass to lower the bright red Danneborg and raise the stars and stripes — a long-lasting symbol of the first Transfer Day ceremony, which took the Virgin Islands from Danish to U.S. rule.
The flags were changed, as they are every year, at exactly 4 p.m.
This year, remarks at the ceremony were all about change, both good and bad. Over the past few months, America has written a new chapter in its history with the election of President Barack Obama, who has opened up the opportunity for countries around the world to band together in search of solutions for problems such as the declining economy and climate control, said Torben Gettermann, Denmark's consul general.
But in finding solutions, places such as the Virgin Islands and Denmark should not forget about their historical relationships and ties, and take advantage of opportunities to learn from one another and grow together in building a brighter future, he said. Denmark will soon play host to a United Nations energy summit, and might be able to draw on some of the ideas already forming in the Virgin Islands as the country continues to pursue renewable-energy sources, Gettermann said.
Gettermann's remarks were echoed in the keynote address, given this year by 18-year-old Brandon Connor, the 2008 winner of the V.I. Friends of Denmark's student ambassador program contest. Connor spoke about his experiences hosting two Danish students, and his recent travels through Denmark.
"Denmark has one of the highest standards of living in the world," he said. "Here in the U.S. Virgin Islands, we can still seek inspiration from Denmark as we seek a higher standard of living."
The ceremony was dotted by reflections from longtime educator Ulla F. Muller, who gave the invocation, and 2008 Poetry Out Loud winner Shawntay Henry, who evoked a vivid image of V.I. culture through her recitation of a poem called "My Island Home."
Celebrating Transfer Day every year at the Legislature, the spot where the first-ever ceremony took place, is bound to evoke various emotions in many people, Sen. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg said during the ceremony. But even though the territory falls under the U.S. flag, its residents should continue to push for the same voting rights and privileges afforded to others on the mainland, he said.
And as the territory looks forward to the 100-year celebration of the 1917 transfer, there are a few other things that need to be put in place by 2017– a high school on St. John and a final constitution for the Virgin Islands, among them, according to Edouard de Lagarde, representing Delegate Donna M. Christensen.
Meanwhile, the territory's relationship with Denmark will continue to grow, Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis said.
"It's a relationship with tremendous advantages — one that distinguishes us from all the rest of the Caribbean," he said to close out the ceremony. "And we are extremely proud of this extraordinary bond."
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