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June 28, 2007
Governor deJongh proclaims Freedom Week in the
Virgin Islands
Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed July 1-7, as “Freedom
Week,” in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
July 3rd of each year has been designated as “Emancipation Day,” in the
territory pursuant to Title 1, Section 171 of the Virgin Islands code.
This July 3rd, 2007 is noted because it marks the 159th anniversary of
the emancipation of slaves in the former Danish West Indies. Enslaved
Africans in the former Danish West Indies were declared free, and
slavery abolished through the proclamation issued by then
Governor-General Peter Von Scholten.
Emancipation Day is an event which by law is designated a public holiday
because of its significant historical importance to the people of the
territory. It is a commemoration of the day on which the first such
proclamation of freedom was issued on what would later become American
soil.
July 4th is the 231st anniversary of the independence and birth of the
United States of America, a nation that has given rise to the ideals of
freedom and democracy, while championing the cause of human rights
throughout the world. These consecutive days have linked the
never-ending desire for human freedom to the concept of government for,
of, and by the people.
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