ST. CROIX — All who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces were honored Tuesday as parades and ceremonies held on St. Croix and St. Thomas marked the territory’s official recognition of Veterans Day.
The parade on St. Croix featured members of the American Legion, the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps from St. Croix Central High School and St. Croix Educational Complex, Advent VI Pulse Drum Corp, Girl Scouts, Adventurer Club, and students from Claude O. Markoe Elementary School.
While military officials and government dignitaries offered remarks during ceremonies held in the David C. Canegata Recreation Center and Sports Complex on St. Croix and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park on St. Thomas, the keynote speaker on St. Croix discussed the purpose of the federal holiday.
“While Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have died in the service of their country, Veterans Day is a time to honor all those who have served, past and present,” Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Beresford Edwards said.
Edwards, who served four years in the U.S. Army and 32 years in the Virgin Islands National Guard, worked more than 13 years as a special government employee with the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army. Regardless of which branch of the military veterans served in, he said Veterans Day belongs to them.
“You have dedicated yourself to defense of this country to make us stronger and more resilient as a nation,” he said.
Edwards reflected on the 250th anniversary of both the Army and Navy earlier this year while recalling an Army ballad titled, “Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away.”
“This is not reflective of the era in which we live,” he said, noting that veterans are now pursuing careers as teachers, doctors, physician assistants, engineers, social workers, community leaders, first responders, and appointed and elected officials. “They continue to serve our community by making positive contributions, building stronger futures, and inspiring future generations.”
Edwards recalled when General Douglas MacArthur recited lyrics from the Army ballad while addressing a joint session of Congress on April 19, 1951 in recognition of his status as one of the nation’s greatest living military leaders. While MacArthur said he would close his military career and “just fade away,” Edwards stressed that veterans today are living in a different era.
“We don’t just fade away,” he said. “We have a generation to inspire to be all they can be and to aim high. Until that is accomplished, we’ll have more work to do.”
Secundino Roman-Cruz, American Legion District 10 commander, offered welcoming remarks.
“Veterans Day holds a special place in our hearts,” he said. “It is a day when we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Today, we pay tribute to those who have worn the uniform of our nation’s Armed Forces.”
Roman-Cruz said veterans unselfishly helped to shape the country, adding that the Virgin Islands community is better today because of their leadership, discipline, and sense of duty.
“These veterans have done their job,” he said. “We can never repay the debt we owe you.”
Roman-Cruz, however, did advocate for veterans as he discussed ways in which the territory’s elected leaders can assist them. He called for an improved health-care system, ensuring every veteran has access to quality care inclusive of mental health services and counselling to help prevent suicide. He called for more to be done to assist veterans who are homeless and unemployed. He called on lawmakers to create programs that ease the transition from military to civilian life. He also acknowledged the families of veterans.
“We thank you,” Roman-Cruz said. “Your sacrifice has gone unnoticed. You are the ones that keep the fire burning during their deployment and by demonstrating incredible resiliency in the face of uncertainty. Thank you all for reminding us that freedom isn’t free, but it’s worth fighting for.”
Major General Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, Virgin Islands National Guard adjutant general, said Virgin Islanders have answered a call for decades to defend freedom while demonstrating valor on battlefields far from the territory’s shores.
“Our citizen soldiers and airmen have proven their readiness and capability on the global stage, earning our lasting gratitude and respect for their service in challenging and dangerous conditions,” he said.
Knox-Limbacker said military service today is underscored by the current geopolitical landscape as the Caribbean is experiencing the largest U.S. military presence and operations since the 1980s that is driven by vital national security missions. In this critical time, he said the presence, readiness, and integration of the Virgin Islands National Guard with federal forces is paramount. He acknowledged every Virgin Islands veteran.
“Your willingness to sacrifice for our country has earned our lasting gratitude,” he said. “Your selflessness allows us to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.”
While Edwards delivered the keynote address on St. Croix, the ceremony on St. Thomas did not feature a keynote speaker. However, there were honorees at both ceremonies.
Wilfred Tuitt Sr., a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War, was honored on St. Croix. After repairing trucks, tanks, and wrecked vehicles while in Korea, Tuitt retired from military service following a 30-year career. During his retirement, he got contracted to work at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport as a technician mechanic until 1996, when he once again retired. He continues to work as a mechanic. He received an award depicting a soldier wearing battle fatigues and carrying a rifle. After the ceremony, Tuitt said he was grateful to receive the recognition.
“It makes me feel real proud,” he said.
Henry Powell, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, was honored on St. Thomas. After being inducted into the Navy in 1967, he concluded his naval career in 1989. He then worked in security for Caneel Bay Resort at Cinnamon Bay for 21 years. The park in Cruz Bay on St. John is named after his late brother — Frank Powell.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. offered greetings on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach, noting that Roach was scheduled to offer remarks during the Veterans Day ceremony on St. Thomas. Bryan also offered greetings on behalf of Patrick Farrell, Office of Veterans Affairs director, noting that he had the honor of presenting during the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Bryan reflected on the territory’s history of having a military presence almost 40 years ago.
“These young people that walk the streets today never saw a submarine, a destroyer, or aircraft carrier in our harbor,” Bryan said. “When I was a young man, the battalion off the aircraft carrier or the destroyer that was there used to march in the Veterans Day parade, used to march in the Memorial Day parade. It was a part of our culture.”
Bryan said students nowadays do not realize that the military being part of the Virgin Islands was a way of life.
“We knew them, and that’s why we serve,” he said.
The governor said sometimes he wishes the Virgin Islands was “mission critical” like the military, envisioning a scenario where everybody was intent on making the territory a better place, making sure there’s no garbage in the streets, and correcting that child who is walking out of the way. He then acknowledged the attendees.
“I want to thank you for showing up and making sure we honor the people who ensure that we have freedom, even though they don’t even have the right to vote for their own president,” Bryan said.
Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens, who offered comments in his capacity as acting Senate president on behalf of the Legislature, discussed how Tuesday’s celebration of veterans was recognized during a “challenging and uncertain” time in the nation’s history. He said many of those currently serving in the military face financial hardship, while others are being asked to carry out missions in the Caribbean and across the United States that may test their convictions or challenge their values. He said many veterans continue to serve through roles in the federal government, noting some remain unpaid while others have been affected by recent workforce reductions.
“While there’s a little we can do locally directly to resolve these challenges, I want each of you to know that you are seen, you are valued, and you are supported,” Gittens said. “Your service and sacrifice are recognized and deeply appreciated by the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. To all who have served and to all who continue to serve, thank you for your courage, your commitment, and your sacrifice.”
