Veterans Day parades and ceremonies scheduled for Monday on St. Croix and St. Thomas have been canceled due to the heavy rain impacting the territory, the Office of Veterans Affairs announced.
A pre-Veterans Day ceremony planned for St. John on Sunday also was canceled due to the weather.
This year’s honorees — Henry A. Powell of St. John, Chief Judge Emeritus Verne A. Hodge of St. Thomas, and Wilfred Tuitt of St. Croix — will be recognized at a date to be announced, according to the announcement.
“This decision was made in response to the continuous rainfall for the past few hours and what is expected to continue for significant periods throughout the day. The safety of all participants, attendees, and staff is our top priority,” the release stated.
“We understand the significance of this event to our community and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We thank you for your understanding and continued support,” it said.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, wet and unstable weather conditions will prevail across the region as moisture associated with a tropical wave continues to filter into the area. More rainfall is expected Monday, which will enhance the potential for flooding, landslides and rapid river rises, it said. Additionally, marine and coastal conditions will gradually deteriorate with the arrival of a northerly swell, bringing hazardous seas and life-threatening rip currents, particularly along the northern coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra, and the USVI. Visit the Source weather page for more information.
While the ceremonies are canceled, both Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett issued statements honoring the territory’s veterans.
“Each day that we enjoy the many freedoms and privileges afforded to us is a reminder of the profound significance of this most noteworthy holiday. Veterans Day honors our Veterans for their service and sacrifice during peacetime and during times of war. Their unwavering patriotism and love of country is most befittingly reflected in this year’s theme, “Loyalty,’” said Roach.
“Loyalty, and its companions, courage, commitment, and confidence, are all demonstrated in the various ways that our Veterans have served in their respective disciplines. Notably, our Veterans’ dedication to this great nation extends even beyond their terms of service. Thus, their level of loyalty is both immeasurable and uncompromised. I am often inspired by our Veterans’ strong sense of pride, and I remain humbled during my daily encounters with these courageous former military men and women, while being continuously grateful for their service,” he said, while offering prayers for the safety and protection of those who serve.
“It is our responsibility to show our unwavering commitment to our veterans across the nation and the entire U.S. Virgin Islands veteran community. We also honor organizations like the Office of Veteran’s Affairs, the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, The American Legion, the Methodist Outreach Center, The Wounded Warrior Program, VET Center and the staff at the VA Clinics. I also honor our Gold Star families; they truly know firsthand the meaning of sacrifice and service,” Plaskett said in her statement.
“I think of my father, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones and friends who have served in our military honorably and am grateful for the examples of bravery and fidelity to country they and so many others showed through their service. I express my profound gratitude to all veterans, their families, and the organizations that support them,” she said.
