First Lady Cecile de Jongh participated in the 16th Annual Christmas Tree lighting of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Virgin Islands Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, December 11, 2011. As part of the festivities, the first lady opened the ceremony by turning on the switch for the lights in the park, marking the official opening of the Christmas season.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh delivers remarks at the 16th Annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Virgin Islands Memorial Park on St. Thomas, December 11, 2011.

We From Upstreet Inc. (WEFUS) and Kidscope Inc. hosted the event with the theme, “A Wish for Our Children,” focusing on their year-round goals and objectives to continue to strive to provide educational, artistic and social programs for children.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh, honoree Dilsa Capdeville, and We From Upstreet President Myron D. Jackson on stage at the 16th Annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, December 11, 2011.

The first lady presented this year’s honoree, Dilsa Capdeville, director Kidscope Inc., with tokens of appreciation in recognition of her 40+ years of dedication and commitment to providing social services, vocational counseling and case advocacy to victims of crimes and domestic violence.