May 25, 2009 — On St. Thomas, older generations mixed with younger ones to mark Monday's Memorial Day Celebration.
A parade that began at Western Cemetery and ended at Franklin D. Roosevelt Veterans Memorial Park juxtaposed young against old — with vets from the American Legion's Patrick U. George Post 90 marching along with JROTC members from Ivanna Eudora Kean and Charlotte Amalie high schools.
Monday's events began with a wreath laying and raising of the flags. From there could be heard the crisp beat of drums, chants and cheers as the parade extended down Main Street, toward the park. There was a brief pause at the waterfront for a symbolic casting of petals into the water and a blast of guns from the V.I. National Guard.
Along the parade route, shopkeepers, tourists and children paused to watch the festivities. Some onlookers clapped, some offered a salute and some simply stopped and smiled.
Also on hand for the parade were members of the 73rd Army band and local Girl Scout troops. Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis led the procession.
At the Franklin D. Roosevelt Veterans Memorial park, Francis and other local leaders used the day to honor service members who have fallen, and those still serving overseas.
"Today's ceremony reminds not only of our needs, but of our responsibility," Francis said. He told the crowd that it is everyone's responsibility to remember the sacrifices military men and women make every day.
Keynote speaker CSM Barry E. Fredericks of the V.I. National Guard reminded the audience that while different wars are fought at different times, the common theme remains the same.
"We acknowledge that their struggle — the ancient struggle to be free — goes on today," he said.
The names of 29 V.I. veterans who died this year where announced, along with the solemn strains of "Taps" and another gun salute.
During the ceremony, special care was taken to acknowledge the work of the Carib Riders motorcycle club. The group's bike ride and fundraiser, held Sunday at Mini Mangoes, raised $4,000 for veterans' services.
Club President John Galeana said he was proud of the event and hoped to make it an annual occurrence.
"To be able to get together, and put together an event of this magnitude," he said. "And I only see it getting bigger."
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