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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed May 30, 2011 as “Memorial Day” in the Virgin Islands to honor American heroes who died in service to their country.
Memorial Day was established more than one hundred years ago to commemorate those who gave their lives in defense of our national ideals of freedom, peace and security. The observance of Memorial Day is one of America’s noblest traditions, honoring personal sacrifice, valor, and courage. As Americans, it is our sacred duty to preserve the legacy of those brave soldiers who departed our world as heroes and gave their lives for a cause greater than themselves. On Memorial Day we also pray for the protection of those fighting in distant lands, and renew our promise to support our troops, their families, and our veterans.
The legacy of our nation’s brave soldiers must always be preserved, as it was through their unselfish dedication to duty and personal sacrifice that this nation was built; it is our responsibility to uphold the values these soldiers fought for and died defending. Their lessons of service and sacrifice continue to inspire our nation, and we pray that these lessons may always be taught to future generations.
Virgin Islanders have a long tradition of proudly serving their country in the armed forces and have nobly served in the military to help maintain a delicate world peace. As our family members, friends, and neighbors, they have paid the ultimate sacrifice for love of country and dedication to duty.
In observance of Memorial Day, various activities are planned in both districts. The Office of Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with Veterans Outreach Services, invites the community to the First Annual Veterans Fun Day at Griffith Ball Park on Sunday, May 29, 2011 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Also on Sunday, the St. Croix Big Band will be the featured performer
for a Memorial Day concert at the Verne Richards
Veterans Memorial Park from 4:30PM to 6:30PM.
Memorial Day parades will be held on both St. Croix and St. Thomas on Monday. Assembly of troops will begin at 8:30 AM, and the processions will begin promptly at 9:30 AM in both districts.
On St. Croix, the parade will assemble at the Frederiksted Post Office, and will proceed to the cemetery for a graveside ceremony. The parade will then proceed to the waterfront for a seaside ceremony at the Ann Abramson pier, then to the Budhoe Park bandstand for traditional ceremonies.
On St. Thomas, the parade will begin at Western Cemetery, where a graveside ceremony will be held, and will then proceed to the waterfront for a seaside ceremony at the PFC White memorial, and then on to Roosevelt Veteran Memorial Park for traditional ceremonies.
In accordance with the presidential proclamation, flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.
Governor de Jongh calls upon all Virgin Islanders to unite in observing Memorial Day, to pray for a lasting peace, and to participate in activities schedules for this holiday.
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