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May 23, 2008
MEMORIAL DAY PROCLAIMED IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS Gov. John P. deJongh has proclaimed Saturday, May 31, 2008 as "Memorial Day" in the United States Virgin Islands. Memorial Day was established over 100 years ago to commemorate those who died in the defense of our national ideals – freedom, justice and equal rights. This day is set aside to unite the people of the United States and the Territory in prayer for a permanent world peace, and to give thanks for the great blessings of freedom and peace. Virgin Islanders are proud to serve our country as it strives to maintain a delicate world peace. In commemoration of this day, the office of Veterans Affairs in conjunction with the American Legion Patrick U. George, Post No. 90 and Enrique Romero Nieves, Post No. 102, will host the annual Memorial Day Program and activities on Monday, May 26, 2008. On St. Croix, a parade will take place in Christiansted at the Basin Triangle starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade will proceed to the Christiansted Cemetery for a brief service for those veterans buried on land. It will then traverse down Kings Street to the Christiansted National Park Waterfront where a Seaside ceremony will be held for those who are buried at sea. An official commemoration program will be held at the Bandstand at 10:00 a.m. On St. Thomas, the parade starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Western Cemetery with a brief program dedication for those who are buried on land. The procession will proceed down Main Street to the Coast Guard dock for a ceremonial casting of petals in the sea and a brief ceremony. The parade will then proceed to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Veterans Memorial Park for the annual Memorial Day Program. We ask the community to come out and support us as we pay tribute to those who served our country and gave their lives for our freedom. |
