Jan. 21, 2007 — Members of the American Legion and Auxiliary packed the legion hall in Christiansted Sunday evening to honor their comrade, newly elected Lt. Gov Gregory R. Francis.
Cars were double-parked in the hall's parking lot and lining the street adjacent as members from all over the territory, dressed in their best, came to pay homage to one of their own — a man who has made his mark and earned the second-highest office in the territory.
Men in starched white shirts and blue pants sat with women in blue-and-gold uniforms, catching up and chatting as the proceedings began. When Francis entered the hall, he was still in the dark about why he was called there. Francis said his wife, Cheryl, was the one who received the call to mark Jan. 21 as a day for him to be in St. Croix at Post No. 85. He called the reception in his honor "a well-kept secret" and said he came because "they told me to show up."
There was a slight air of sadness in the room as many were still processing the demise of two V.I. National Guardsmen, one each from St. Croix and St. Thomas, who died in Iraq during a recent helicopter crash. The master of ceremonies, Cmdr. Curtis Williams, started the reception by asking everyone to offer a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers.
The absence of another comrade also left its mark on the ceremony. Cmdr. Lawrence Bastien — who, according to Williams, was "very vibrant in getting [the reception] together" — was recuperating from an illness in a Puerto Rico hospital and was unable to attend.
A series of commanders and district commanders took the podium to say kind words about Francis, what they remember about him and well wishes for his future success. Melbourne Clarke, acting district commander, said of Francis, "He always gives 100 percent."
Cmdr. Justin Harrigan presented Francis with a personalized veteran's license plate that simply said "Lt. Gov."
Francis joked with the attendees, saying that since the inauguration he has not been able to drive anywhere. Francis said that former Lt. Gov. G. Luz James, who was in attendance Sunday, did not inform him his driving privileges would be revoked as soon as he took the oath of office. Francis said he would hang the license plate up on his wall.
Apple cider and champagne were poured in anticipation of a series of toasts given by the commanders and district commanders from all over the territory. Audience members and toasters joked that they would be a little tipsy after the five speakers got up to give the lieutenant governor their kind wishes for the new administration. Hubert Ramier, a past legion commander, said to Francis, "You have done it before and you can do it again."
When Francis finally stood to address the audience, all were on their feet applauding their comrade in his new position. Francis called the night "bittersweet" because of the tragedy that befell the officers in Iraq. "As soldiers we took a solemn oath to serve this country," Francis said. "There's no guarantee you are coming home."
Francis remembered when he joined the military. His superiors told him he would not make it as a soldier because he asked too many questions. Francis said their doubts motivated him to succeed. "In any business or position," Francis said, "as long as you are honest, you don't have to worry about anything."
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