Governor Bryan Expresses Gratitude To Territory’s Veterans for Their Service

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is encouraging the Virgin Islands community to show their appreciation for Virgin Islands veterans by attending Veterans Day parades scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Cruz Bay, St. John; 9 a.m. Monday at Frederiksted, St. Croix; and 3 p.m. Monday on Veterans Drive, St. Thomas.

Veterans Day honorees are retired Major General Cleave McBean of St. Thomas; retired Command Sergeant Major Charles David of St. Croix; and retired Staff Sergeant Elvis Lewis of St. John.

“The theme of this year’s events is ‘Service,’ in recognition of the sacrifices veterans and their families have made, and continue to make, to protect democracy and the freedoms we continue to hold dear,” Governor Bryan said. “During this Veterans Day weekend, it’s our time to come together and say, ‘Thank you for your service.’

“Our appreciation goes beyond their service in the military,” the Governor said. “We are also grateful for the example they set after military service has ended by volunteering their time to work with our youth and other community programs and by championing issues that affect their fellow servicemen and servicewomen.”

The Bryan/Roach Administration continues its unwavering commitment to always honor and remember the sacrifices of Virgin Islands veterans, who, even out of uniform, are the first to help.

Office of Veterans Affairs Director Patrick Farrell diligently is working to ensure our veterans can more seamlessly access healthcare and medical supplies and that they have adequate mental health care as well as employment opportunities.

Earlier this week, Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach signed a proclamation declaring November as Military Families Month and November 11, 2019, as Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day, to honor the men and women who have been “steadfast guardians of peace and liberty” at home and abroad.

“They have done their duty and now it is up to us to make sure our veterans always get the care they need,” Governor Bryan said.