The week of July 6-July 14 has been proclaimed "French Heritage Week" in the Virgin Islands, with July 14 designated as Bastille Day.
"The expertise of the people of French heritage in areas of fishing, farming, the professions and other vocations, has contributed significantly to the political, economic, social and cultural progress and growth of the territory," Gov. Charles Turnbull said in a released statement.
"It is appropriate the we demonstrate to our neighbors and friends of French descent our feelings of warmth and sincere friendship towards them," Turnbull said.
Bastille Day is celebrated in commemoration of the storming of the Bastille prison by French revolutionaries 1789.
"This was a significant act of bravery against the monarchy during the French Revolution and resulted in the establishment of a republic and the freedom of the French people," Turnbull said.