ST. THOMAS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued a series of proclamations recognizing September 2026 as a month dedicated to education, cultural heritage, public safety, preparedness, health awareness, responsible citizenship and the contributions of Virgin Islanders and communities throughout the Territory.
Governor Bryan has proclaimed September as Attendance Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance and the significant role consistent attendance plays in student engagement, academic achievement and long-term educational success. The Governor is encouraging students, families, educators and the broader community to work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend school regularly and benefit fully from their education.
The Governor also is calling upon residents and visitors of the Virgin Islands, as well as the wider Caribbean and Americas, to observe the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The observance promotes awareness and recognition of Indigenous languages, peoples, cultures and heritage and encourages support for educational programs, language-learning initiatives, cultural and artistic activities, historical preservation efforts and community events throughout the decade.
Recognizing the importance of family connections, Governor Bryan has proclaimed Sunday, September 6, as National Grandparents’ Day in the Virgin Islands. The observance recognizes the important role grandparents play in families and communities and highlights the positive relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, which can contribute to improved psychological well-being for both generations.
Governor Bryan has proclaimed Monday, September 7, as West Indies Solidarity Day in the United States Virgin Islands, recognizing the many individuals from diverse corners of the West Indies who have journeyed to the shores of the Virgin Islands and contributed to the Territory’s rich cultural, social, and economic fabric.
In remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001, Governor Bryan has proclaimed Friday, September 11, as Patriot Day in the Territory. The terrorist attacks claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and injured thousands more, including Virgin Islanders. Seven natives of St. Croix lost their lives in the attacks. Patriot Day provides an opportunity to honor their memory and the courage and sacrifice of those who responded to the tragedy.
The Governor has also proclaimed September 2026 as Labor and Management Awareness Month, recognizing the important contributions of workers, employers, labor organizations, workforce partners, educators, training providers and community stakeholders to the Territory’s workforce and economy. The observance underscores the value of collaboration among labor, management, education, and community partners in strengthening opportunities for Virgin Islanders.
Preparedness and public safety are also central themes of September’s proclamations. Governor Bryan has proclaimed September 2026 as National Preparedness Month, encouraging individuals, families, businesses, organizations and communities to take practical steps to prepare for emergencies and disasters and strengthen the Territory’s overall resilience. The annual observance serves as a reminder that preparedness is a shared responsibility and that taking action before an emergency can help protect lives, property and communities.
Governor Bryan has proclaimed the week of September 20-26 as Child Passenger Safety Week and Saturday, September 26, as National Seat Check Saturday in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Properly used seat belts, car seats, and other child safety restraints have been proven to reduce the risk of serious injury and death among vehicle occupants involved in motor vehicle crashes. The observances encourage parents, caregivers and other motorists to ensure that children are properly restrained and that car seats and booster seats are correctly installed and used.
On Sunday, September 27, Governor Bryan will recognize Gold Star Mother’s and Families Day, honoring Gold Star Mothers and Families who have endured the profound loss of a loved one who died in service to the United States Armed Forces. The observance recognizes their sacrifice and the lasting impact of their loss while expressing the Territory’s gratitude for the service and devotion of their loved ones.
September 27 will also be observed as Maroon Commemorative Day in the Virgin Islands. Under the Bryan-Roach Administration, legislation was approved creating a Territorial Park System to implement the Maroon Sanctuary Zone on the West End of St. Croix. Governor Bryan is calling upon all residents of the Territory to honor the Maroon ancestors who bravely and resiliently fought for their freedom and resisted enslavement, recognizing their struggle, courage and enduring legacy.
Several of the Governor’s September proclamations focus on health and wellness. Governor Bryan has proclaimed September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the Virgin Islands, recognizing suicide as a serious public health issue in the Territory and across the United States and emphasizing that suicide prevention must remain a public health priority.
The Governor also has proclaimed September as Virgin Islands Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education about these cancers, including risk factors, early detection and effective treatment.
In recognition of the importance of cardiovascular health, Governor Bryan has proclaimed Tuesday, September 29, as World Heart Day in the United States Virgin Islands. Residents are encouraged to adopt heart-healthy habits, including regular physical activity, nutritious eating, tobacco-free living, stress management and routine health screenings, to help reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease throughout the Territory.
Governor Bryan has further proclaimed September as Responsible Gaming Education Month in the United States Virgin Islands. The observance, supported by the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, encourages Virgin Islanders who choose to engage in gambling to do so responsibly and emphasizes the importance of understanding that gambling is a form of entertainment, not an investment.
“September reminds us that building a stronger Virgin Islands requires all of us to be prepared, informed, healthy and connected to one another and to our history,” Governor Bryan said. “These observances give us an opportunity to recognize the people and values that strengthen our communities, from the importance of getting our children to school every day and protecting them on our roads, to honoring our veterans’ families, remembering those we lost, preserving our cultural heritage and taking care of our physical and mental health.”
The Bryan-Roach Administration encourages residents and visitors to participate in these observances throughout September and to use them as opportunities to strengthen families, support communities, promote safety and preparedness, celebrate the Territory’s diverse heritage and advance the health and well-being of all Virgin Islanders.
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