Veterans Day Sees Great Turnout In St. Croix; Purple Heart Soldiers Receive Special Honor

ST. CROIX — The hot sun in Christiansted on Friday did not deter the hundreds of residents who lined the streets of the town on Veterans Day to honor with their presence and cheers the soldiers of the Virgin Islands National Guard, many of whom were part of the parade themselves, marching in formation along with a myriad of other local groups, as the territory paid homage to those who serve to protect the freedoms of the United States of America and its territories.

The mood that encompassed downtown Christiansted was one of gratitude, displayed through applause and screams of gratefulness by onlookers, as participants of the march — which started at the Basin Triangle and ended at Fort Christianvaern — marched, sang and danced throughout the event.

As is tradition, the groups gave their best performances at the entrance of Government House, where Governor Kenneth Mapp, Director of Veterans Affairs Patrick Farrell and Brigadier General of the Virgin Islands National Guard Deborah Howell, looked on in admiration.

The leaders were serenaded by the V.I. National Guard 73rd Army Band with a medley of harmonies that were pleasing to the ear. They witnessed drumming in perfect sequence by the Adventist Youth Drum Corps, and the marching bands of this island’s high schools brought performances of their own, putting a smile on Mr. Mapp’s face.

At the ceremony, with took place at the fort’s bandstand, leaders spoke of the importance of honoring the men and women in uniform. With this year’s theme being “We Remember: Honoring our Wounded and Fallen Veterans”, special attention was given to purple heart soldiers, who have either paid the ultimate sacrifice or were wounded while attempting to protect their fellow soldiers.

“Veterans and Veterans Day is bigger than any one person,” said Mr. Farrell. “It’s about our territory and our nation coming together to support those who have supported in the past.” He honored purple hearts living and those who have died. Mr. Farrell also made a point of noting that there were no purple heart soldiers on stage with the delegation of leaders because veterans who have been awarded the decoration usually don’t like talking about the experiences that afforded them the honor. “But we still decided that we’re going to do everything to honor and recognize you today,” he said. “We know there are some of your out there, so please accept our honor and recognition wherever you may stand or sit today.”

Keynote speaker Col. Aubrey L. Ruan, Jr. focused most of his talk on important steps that the Government of the Virgin Islands, to include its legislative and executive branches, should take to make lives better for veterans in the territory. Col. Aubrey also admonished soldiers to “do the right thing,” steer clear of secret societies and build their lives on a spiritual foundation.

Brigadier General Howell, who echoed Mr. Farrell’s explanation of why purple hearts rather remain clandestine, also thanked soldiers currently serving who haven’t received the designation of veterans. And she lauded the Mapp administration, which she deemed as “results oriented,” and noted Mr. Farrell’s tireless work of championing a multitude of veteran causes, to include his efforts in making the local hospitals VA facilities that allow veterans to receive free care locally, instead of traveling abroad. “I thank you for that,” she said.

Governor Kenneth Mapp closed out Friday’s ceremony with remarks of his own, focused on the unpayable debt that the Virgin Islands is owed by the United States for its men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice on the line of duty. The governor noted that, per capita, more U.S. Virgin Islands soldiers have died during battle than any other state in the U.S. Yet still, he lamented, USVI citizens cannot vote for president; a current status the governor sees as an injustice.

The governor also spoke of the Senate and his administration’s efforts to better the lives of veterans in the territory. He spoke of a mandate approved by the 31st Legislature for veterans to take up to 96 credit hours toward a doctoral degree free of tuition at the University of the Virgin Islands. Though the measure was unfunded when passed by the Senate in October, Mr. Mapp said his administration has appropriated the funding. The governor also made known that USVI soldiers who have served but were never deployed to battle, would be, upon their retirement, designated as Virgin Islands veterans.

In conclusion, the governor thanked those in the territory who worked hard to put on yesterday’s program, which by all measures was exceptional. A simultaneous parade took place in St. Thomas on Friday.