In a special Memorial Day tribute, members of American Legion Bromley Berkeley Post 133 gathered along the Frederiksted waterfront Sunday to dedicate a permanent memorial honoring Virgin Islanders lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — a solemn moment of remembrance nearly 25 years after the tragedy changed the nation forever.
Veterans, elected officials, first responders, family members and community residents gathered for the emotional ceremony ahead of Memorial Day.
The memorial stands as a tribute not only to the thousands killed during the attacks, but also to Virgin Islanders whose lives were forever connected to that day.
“This monument is a declaration that these lives matter, and that this community remembers,” said Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett. “The Virgin Islands will always honor those who gave everything in service to this nation.”
The idea for the memorial was first introduced in 2021 by Comrade Charles Farrell of American Legion Bromley Berkley Post 133, who said the Frederiksted waterfront was missing a permanent tribute to the victims of 9/11.
“We’re going into 25 years and it’s not there,” Farrell said. “And that’s the monument for the 9/11 destruction. And I said, that is it.”
Farrell said the project faced years of paperwork, government approvals and logistical challenges before becoming reality.
“It was not an easy task,” he said. “The paperwork, the red tape with the government and everything like that — there’s certain rules and regulations you have to go through. But here we are today.”
Commander Caroline Fawkes of American Legion Bromley Berkley Post 133 described the memorial as “more than a stone structure.”
“It is a symbol of remembrance for the lives lost on September 11, 2001,” Fawkes said. “It reflects the grief carried by families, the resilience of survivors, and the enduring spirit of a people who refuse to be broken.”
Fawkes also acknowledged the many agencies and individuals who helped bring the project to life, including the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department, the Property and Procurement Department, planners, draftsmen and local fabricators.
Remarks were also delivered by Sen. Novelle Francis Jr., representing the 36th Legislature, and St. Croix Administrator Sammuel Sanes on behalf of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach.
Francis, who served as police chief at the time of the attacks, called the memorial a lasting reminder of resilience and unity.
“We are preserving memory. We are honoring sacrifice,” Francis said. “We’re ensuring that future generations never forget the lessons, the pain, and the unity that emerged from that tragic day.”
A highlight of the ceremony was remarks from retired firefighter John Fila of the New York City Fire Department, who served with Engine 54 in Manhattan and responded in the aftermath of the attacks.
Fila recounted the devastating loss of 15 firefighters from his firehouse on Sept. 11 and described the emotional toll of returning to the station where grieving family members waited for answers.
“I cannot describe to you how absolutely low we felt when we walked in that firehouse and people asked us, ‘Did you find Dan? Did you find Alan?’ and we had no answers for them because we didn’t,” he said.
He also reflected on the overwhelming support firefighters received from across the country in the days following the attacks.
“That is the true bond and brotherhood of firefighters,” Fila said. “No matter what goes on, we always go to support each other.”
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the deep connection between the Virgin Islands, military service and emergency response.
The names of Virgin Islands victims were read aloud during a bell-ringing ceremony followed by the playing of taps. Honored names included Felix “Bobby” Calixte, John Holland, Christian Maltby, William Henry Jr., Chris M. Kirby, and Staff Sgt. Madlyn A. White and Claudia S. Sutton.
Family representatives later received commemorative coins as symbols of remembrance, strength and unity.
The memorial pillar, built by local fabricator Clarence Henry of Iron Lion, now stands prominently along the Frederiksted waterfront, where organizers hope it will serve as a permanent place of reflection for generations to come.
“We will remember. We will honor. And we will never forget,” Fawkes said.
