U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued a series of proclamations recognizing significant observances throughout November 2026, highlighting the service, sacrifice, compassion, entrepreneurship and community commitment that continue to strengthen the Virgin Islands. 

Governor Bryan has proclaimed November 2026 as “National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month” in the Territory, calling on Virgin Islanders to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and offer support to individuals living with the disease and the caregivers who assist them.  

The observance underscores the importance of timely diagnosis, access to quality and affordable care, continued research and support for family members and caregivers who play an essential role in maintaining the quality of life of those living with Alzheimer’s disease.  

November has also been proclaimed “National Entrepreneurship Month,” recognizing the entrepreneurs and small-business owners whose innovation and hard work create jobs, provide goods and services and contribute to the Territory’s economic vitality. The Governor is encouraging Virgin Islanders to celebrate local entrepreneurs, support locally owned businesses and encourage the development of new small businesses to help expand and strengthen the economy.  

Governor Bryan has also proclaimed November as “National Family Caregivers Month,” honoring Virgin Islanders who provide essential care and support to aging parents, spouses, relatives and other loved ones. The Governor encourages residents to support family caregivers, express appreciation for their service and recognize the important work they perform on behalf of their families and communities.  

The Governor has proclaimed Saturday, November 7, 2026, as “Notary Public Day” in the Virgin Islands, recognizing notaries public for their essential service to the community and their role in helping to deter document fraud and forgery while promoting integrity and confidence in legal and commercial transactions.  

Governor Bryan has proclaimed November 8 through November 14, 2026, as “National Nurse Practitioner Week,” recognizing the service and invaluable contributions of nurse practitioners to the health and well-being of Virgin Islanders. Nurse practitioners play an important role in expanding access to health care, promoting health equity and providing primary, acute and specialty care throughout the Territory and the nation.  

The Governor has also proclaimed Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as “Veterans Day” and the month of November as“Military Families Month.” The observances recognize the courage and sacrifices of the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces, including Virgin Islands veterans, as well as the military families who support them.  

Governor Bryan urges Virgin Islanders to remember those who served the nation honorably, particularly during wartime, express gratitude to military families for their support and sacrifice, and rededicate themselves to promoting peace.  

November 15 through November 21 has been proclaimed“Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.” The Governor is calling on residents, businesses and community organizations to recognize the organizations and individuals serving people and families experiencing hunger and homelessness and to support efforts to assist vulnerable residents throughout the Territory.  

Virgin Islanders are encouraged to volunteer their time, share their talents and contribute resources to organizations serving those in need while working collectively toward ending hunger and homelessness in the Virgin Islands.  

Governor Bryan has also proclaimed November 16 through November 20, 2026, as “American Education Week,” recognizing educators, school staff and others whose work supports student achievement and educational excellence. The Governor encourages Virgin Islanders to express gratitude to the educators and staff of the Territory’s schools and to participate in activities and programs that celebrate quality classroom instruction, the joy of learning and student success.  

The Governor has proclaimed November 20 through December 20, 2026, as “National Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month.” The observance recognizes families and individuals who have experienced the devastating loss of loved ones to homicide and highlights the importance of community support, violence prevention and peacebuilding.  

Governor Bryan urges Virgin Islanders to support survivors of homicide victims, participate in awareness and community events and take proactive steps to prevent violence and promote peace throughout the Territory.  

The Governor has also proclaimed Monday, November 23, 2026, as “Virgin Islands Freedom Fighters Day,” honoring the courage and sacrifice of Virgin Islanders whose resistance, advocacy and leadership helped advance freedom, self-governance and civil rights in the Territory.  

The proclamation pays tribute to generations of known and unknown Virgin Islanders who fought for freedom and helped secure the rights and privileges enjoyed by Virgin Islanders today. Governor Bryan encourages all residents to join in honoring their courage and sacrifices.  

Governor Bryan has proclaimed Wednesday, November 25, 2026, as “Meatless Day” in the Virgin Islands, joining members of the East Indian community in an observance promoting compassion, fellowship and reverence for life. The Governor encourages residents to participate by embracing the“Pledge to Be Veg.”  

In addition to the commemorative observances, Governor Bryan has authorized commissioners and agency heads to grant administrative leave to eligible non-essential Executive Branch employees on Monday, November 2, 2026, and Friday, November 27, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.  

The November 2 administrative leave recognizes D. Hamilton Jackson Day, which falls on Sunday, November 1 this year, while the November 27 leave follows the Thanksgiving holiday. The administrative leave does not apply to essential employees, employees working regular or rotating shifts, or employees already on annual or sick leave.  

“These proclamations provide an opportunity for us to honor the service, sacrifice and contributions of people throughout our community while reflecting on the values that unite us as Virgin Islanders,” Governor Bryan said. “Whether we are honoring our veterans, educators and caregivers, supporting local entrepreneurs, remembering those who fought for our freedom, or extending compassion to our neighbors in need, each of these observances reminds us that we all have a role in building a stronger and more caring Virgin Islands.” 

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