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ST. CROIX — The territory will celebrate Veterans Day with events spread across here and St. Thomas, with Governor Kenneth Mapp, back on island, attending all the ceremonies on Wednesday.

On this island, the event is traditionally celebrated with marching bands and speeches as government officials, soldiers, National guardsmen and women make their way from the Charles Howard Complex to Fort Christiansvaern in downtown Christiansted. This year, however, the parade takes place in Frederiksted.

According to a press release Government House issued today, Mr. Mapp will attend events here and St. Thomas on Wednesday, starting with the parades on both islands, and a veterans reception at Catherineberg.

At last year’s event, former Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen, her final moment attending the parade as congresswoman, said it was an honor to serve those who’ve protected the U.S. and the islands over the years.

“This is my last Veterans Day as your Delegate to Congress and it has been an honor to serve our Veterans, their families and the people of the Virgin Islands,” Christensen said. This year, of course, she is replaced by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

At a luncheon held for veterans at Government House here last Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter said the event was merely a token to show appreciation to those who fight for freedom.

“I think any opportunity that you can utilize to recognize veterans for what they have done, you ought to do it,” Mr. Potter told The Consortium. “Like I said in my short remarks, you can never thank veterans enough for what they have done to protect our freedom. A freedom that we take for granted everyday.”

And Director of Veterans Affairs Patrick Farrell, at the same event, said his most pointed efforts will be to improve the relationship between his office and veterans, which he admits has been strained over the years.

“The image of not just the local Veterans Affairs, but the federal side of Veterans Affairs as well, is kind of tarnished already,” Mr. Farrell said. “Our veterans are not happy with a lot of things, so this is one of the events that we’re going to use to bring veterans back into the fold and let them know that we do appreciate them, and we’re going to honor them, and we’re thankful of their service.”

The Virgin Islands Police Department also issued a press release making known to residents here restrictions that have been placed on parking for Wednesday’s activities.

According to the release, parking restrictions are as follows:

Parking is prohibited along the entire parade route including the staging area at the Post Office located on Fisher Street.
Parking is prohibited on Fisher Street to King Street and from King Street to Buddhoe Park

Vehicles parked along the parade route will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense.

Expected speakers at the event include Governor Mapp, Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett and Virgin Islands National Guard officials.