Senate President Myron D. Jackson and members of the 32nd Legislature are inviting the community to witness an historic commemoration of the territory’s first 100 years under the American flag.
“The vast list of Virgin Islands heroes and their accomplishments will be given the world’s stage during this commemorative event,” Sen. Jackson said. “Virgin Islands history predates any of the colonial powers that have flown their flags on our soil, but we will use this event to highlight those contributions that have helped to shape our current community and paved a path for our future, as we are “United in Pride and Hope.”
Dignitaries from Denmark, the United States, Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands of the United States, other Caribbean countries, as well as visitors and residents, will witness presentations and performances from notable scholars, dancers, singers, actors, poets and politicians, who will enlighten many on the progress Virgin Islanders have made from 1917 to the present.
The events will begin at 2 p.m., Friday, March 31, with the Virgin Islands National Guard 73rd Army Band leading a military parade that will begin at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School. Simultaneously, there will be a musical prelude on the grounds of the Legislature featuring the musical talents of several public and private schools. The official observance will begin at 3 p.m. on the Capitol Grounds. Immediately following the ceremony, live performances will continue on-site, with several cultural dance companies.
Staging and additional seating at the Capitol Building is already being put in place to accommodate the influx of visitors from across the globe who are planning to join Virgin Islanders in marking this time in history.
For more information on the ceremony on March 31 at the Capitol Grounds, contact Denise Hobson, assistant executive director, at 774-0880.
