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Governor John P. deJongh Jr. has signed a proclamation designating May 28, as “Memorial Day” in the Virgin Islands. The governor’s proclamation honors the Territory’s and Nation’s fallen heroes in recognition of the ultimate sacrifices made by generations of Americans who fought and died to defend our freedom.
DeJongh said Wednesday that Virgin Islanders reverently remember the courageous patriots who answered the call of duty and fought in defense of our liberties. We observe Memorial Day in honor of these great men and women who died in service, and the more than 140,000 declared missing in action.
“Many service members and their families know what it means to lose a loved one too soon, and we pray for the continued peace for which they laid down their lives. Americans of great courage and conviction have fought in battles around the globe, from Afghanistan to Korea, and Kuwait to Vietnam. The experiences of American soldiers are chronicled in the history of our civilization, and likewise observed with dignity by their families, friends and a grateful Nation. We ask for God’s grace in protecting those fighting in distant lands, in support of our troops, their families, and our veterans,” he said.
On Memorial Day, we pause in recognition of the unwavering valor, devotion and sacrifice of our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, in tribute to the brave soldiers who gave their lives so that we may live free and towards the enduring peace of our great Nation.
The proclamation signed by the governor reads: “The cost of freedom and magnitude of the sacrifices of our servicemen and servicewomen are particularly prominent in the minds of the residents of the United States Virgin Islands.”
Several events are planned to honor veterans on Memorial Day. Parades and ceremonies will take place in both districts, including a procession beginning at 9:30 am at Western Cemetery on St. Thomas. Services will be held at the Emil White memorial, and the procession will move on to Veterans Park for another ceremony.
On St. Croix, Memorial Day ceremonies will begin at 9:30 am at Basin Triangle and will proceed to the Christiansted cemetery and then to the waterfront for a seaside ceremony.
Governor de Jongh called upon all Virgin Islanders and all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to thank members of the U.S. Armed Forces with appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all the Territory’s people may join in commemorating soldiers past and present, who by their sacrifice and commitment to the Virgin Islands and the Nation have rendered the greatest service to their communities.
