St. Thomians young and old came out in full force Wednesday afternoon to show their gratitude for all of the men and women who have served in the U.S armed forces.
Hundreds lined both sides of Main Street to watch the annual Veterans Day parade wind its way down from Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to Veterans Park, where government officials voiced their thanks in a moving ceremony.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. led the parade participants—including members of JROTC, church and school marching bands, V.I. National Guard, and Girl and Boy Scout troops—past Western Cemetery.
DeJongh said he was delighted to see the vast number of young people who followed him on the parade route, an indication that the territory’s youth have embraced the armed services and their missions overseas.
DeJongh also spoke of the tragedy that occurred earlier in the week at Fort Hood and the recent tragic death of a V.I. National Guardsman. He implored that the respect and gratitude shown to veterans not be limited to one day or one week of the year.
“Our personal liberties have been guaranteed by the soldiers, sailors, marines and all other military personnel who have served in armed conflicts since the formation of our country,” deJongh said.
The grand marshal of this year’s parade, Command Sgt. Maj. Earl E. Abramsen, expressed surprise and honor at being selected as grand marshal. Abramsen has over 32 years of military service and served as the state command sergeant major for the V.I. National Guard.
On hand for the parade was longtime veteran Eddy Charles, recently retired after 37 years of active duty. Now a senior army ROTC instructor at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Charles reflected on his new position. “In Afghanistan I was running the Afghanistan War College …. Now I’m working with kids preparing them for life and good citizenship. It’s very fulfilling to see how they are evolving. It really pumps me up.”
Members of the Patrick U. George American Legion Post 90 played a large role in both the parade and ceremony. They not only carried the official flags and provided the sweet sounds of their choir, but one of their own, Pastor Roy Blyden, also performed the benediction.
Made up of veterans from all branches of the military, the American Legion looks after veterans when they come home from active duty, taking care of medical needs, helping with home repairs and providing assistance wherever needed. The approximately 100 active members meet monthly, keeping abreast of veterans who are sick or disabled.
Unfortunately, the afternoon’s scheduled keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Denise Canton, was unable to attend the St. Thomas ceremony because her flight from St. Croix was cancelled due to inclement weather.
The Veterans Week celebrations continue on Saturday with a full day of activities at Emile Griffith Ballpark, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to honor veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.