Sen. Nelson Encourages Youngsters To ‘Serve From The Heart’ At Cyril E. King Commemoration

ST. CROIX – The 11th annual Cyril E. King commemoration, held at the Kingshill cemetery on Tuesday, was accentuated with memories of the former governor’s selfless service to the territory but also on display was Sen. Terrence ‘Positive’ Nelson’s passionate speech about serving from the heart and not the mind.

Nelson’s office hosted the annual commemoration, which is mandated by the V.I. Code. The law actually requires that “appropriate ceremonies shall be held in public schools” in remembrance of King’s birthday every April 7.

Gathered in the small chapel of the cemetery were junior students from various schools, some elders and a family member of the late King.

During the ceremony, Nelson spoke fervently about King’s service to the territory. He said King set a high bar in governing and described the work of the late governor as service done onto God.

“In my view, I believe governor King was in service for God. His focus, his interest, what he looked about said that he had that caring heart, that feeling of piety, and why I’m going to keep mentioning the heart, [is] because you can do things from two places, from the inspiration of the heart or from the motivation of the mind,” Nelson said.

Nelson said the easy route to take would be to do something for the gain it brings, including money or fame. But according to the senator, service should be done from the heart – a task he described as being more difficult.

“That’s the challenge for not only to you as children, but to us as adults,” he said. No matter what title or label we may have… as you do you service, as you go about your daily doings, try to do it from your heart.”

The inspirational message took a spiritual tone as Nelson delved into biblical scripture to further cement his point of selfless service. He said everyone can do the Lord’s work in his or her own way and added that service should be done with humility.

The senator then quoted Mathew 23:12, which reads, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”

Nelson went on to express his beliefs that those who hold the highest offices of the land should be the greatest servants of the people, and those who sit in positions of influence should never use such power for ill.

In tying is message back to the late governor King, Nelson said his message embodies who the governor was – an example of God’s servant on earth living a life of service to the people he was voted to lead.

After Nelson’s speech, the St. Croix Central High School JROTC cadets, followed by the juniors from various the schools, marched to the tomb of the late governor, singing, “We Shall Overcome” as they made their way north of the cemetery.

Upon arriving, students sang the U.S. national anthem along with the Virgin Islands march, followed by the proclamation of the V.I. Code that made Cyril E. King Day law.

Nelson later reminded those in attendance that King was part of the Independent Citizens Movement (ICM) and was the only party member to hold the governor’s seat.

As of now, Nelson is the only member of said party to hold public office.

Later, students read parts of the late governor’s biography, and to close, reefs were placed on both the grave of King and his wife, Agnes Agatha King.