Wreath placed in the ocean on Memorial Day in May 2016. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM.
The V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the American Legion, has announced that Memorial Day ceremonies will be held across the territory on Monday, May 26 to honor Virgin Islanders who made the ultimate sacrifice and veterans who passed away over the past year.
This year’s observance will be marked without parades, focusing instead on solemn wreath-laying and remembrance ceremonies held simultaneously across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Each event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. at the following locations:
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St. John: Franklin Powell Park, Cruz Bay
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St. Croix: Government House, Christiansted
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St. Thomas: Government House
According to Patrick Farrell, Director of the V.I. Office of Veterans Affairs, holding the ceremonies simultaneously is a symbolic gesture aligned with the national tradition.
“Having all three ceremonies simultaneously allows us to honor the United States’ tradition which dates back to the post-Civil War era when Memorial Day was first established to remember fallen service members,” said Farrell. “Raising all U.S. flags back up to full-staff at 12-noon symbolizes the nation's determination to continue their service and fight for liberty. On this, we stand with the nation.”
The ceremonies are intended to not only reflect on the past sacrifices made by Virgin Islands service members but also to reinforce the shared national values of remembrance and resilience.
Veterans and members of the public seeking more information about the events or ongoing services can visit the Office of Veterans Affairs website at www.veterans.vi.gov or call (340) 774-8387 for St. Thomas or (340) 773-8387 for St. Croix.
