Commemorating the tragedy of 9/11/2001, the deadliest foreign attack on U.S. soil in the nation’s history, St. Croix veterans of American Legion Post 10 marched in uniform from Bassin Triangle to the American Legion Headquarters at Gallows Bay Friday morning.
A detachment of the V.I. National Guard marched with them, as did some well-wishers and family members both of Virgin Islanders who perished that day and of soldiers fighting oversees now. Fire vehicles followed the solemn procession, a reminder of the many firefighters who lost their lives that day by rushing into the burning towers to save others.
It was a clear, peaceful, sunny day, much like that horrific one eight years ago. On every channel, on every radio and television station, here in the territory and on the mainland, the deadly attack would be remembered and discussed.. On St. Croix, the Legionnaires marched in their Legion uniforms, with pins in their garrison caps announcing their experience in Korea, at Parris Island and elsewhere around the world. Upon reaching the Legion’s Bolling-Baldwin-Rohlsen Hall, the marchers dispersed and sat down to listen as several speakers shared their thoughts on the day.
St. Croix Fire Chief Steven Brow recalled his colleagues who rushed into the burning World Trade Center towers, giving their lives trying to save others.
“Many of our fellow firefighters, along with police and emergency medical personnel, without concern for their lives, entered the World Trade Center that day,” Brow said. “When the towers collapsed, 60 police and 343 firefighters perished.”
Brow reminded listeners of the need to be vigilant.
“The tentacles of terror can reach where we don’t expect,” he said. “Terror is a fight we should all be involved in.”
Malcolm McGregor, special assistant to Gov. John deJongh Jr., said we must remember the sacrifices of those who died that day, "and those who continue to sacrifice for us every day at home and overseas."
St. Croix Police Chief Oakland Benta, spoke with fervor of the importance of remembrance and thankfulness on this day."We must always remember to be vigilant so that never again does such a tragedy become a reality," he said.
Aesha Duval, spokeswoman for Delegate Donna Christensen, was in the audience on the delegate’s behalf.
"We want those who lost family members to know we have not forgotten them," Duval said before the ceremonies began. "We remember and appreciate the sacrifices they have made, and the losses they have suffered. "We should think today about the many families who lost loved ones on that day, and also the families of the many soldiers who are fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. And it is important to remember we lost Virgin Islanders as well. Several Virgin Islanders were in the towers and Sgt. Maudlyn White, whose daughter is here today, was in the Pentagon."
With Congress back in session and having been in Washington D.C. for President Obama’s health care speech, Christensen commemorated the day in Washington, Duval said.
White’s daughter Vieka, a ninth grader at St. Croix Central High, said she was happy with the commemoration and said it brought back memories of her mother and of that terrible day.
After the short speeches were done, the gathering adjourned to outside and stood silently as six member of the V.I. National Guard Firing Squad each fired three shots in salute and one soldier softly blew Taps on the bugle.
