STX Veterans Day Parade Honors All Who Served

Dignitaries greet the crowd with smiles and waves as they lead the parade down King Street in Frederiksted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade. From Left: VIREMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Sen. Novelle Francis, Delegate Stacey Plaskett, Brigadier General Dojo S. Knox-Limbacker, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., State Director of Veterans Affairs Patrick Farrell, and Sen. Javan James. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Dignitaries greet the crowd with smiles and waves as they lead the parade down King Street in Frederiksted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands during the 2019 Veterans Day Parade. From Left: VIREMA Director Daryl Jaschen, Sen. Novelle Francis, Delegate Stacey Plaskett, Brigadier General Dojo S. Knox-Limbacker, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., State Director of Veterans Affairs Patrick Farrell, and Sen. Javan James. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Color Guard of the USVI Army National Guard carries the flag high. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Color Guard of the USVI Army National Guard carries the flag high. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

Under a bright, sunny sky, St. Croix honored veterans with a parade and ceremony in Frederiksted beginning at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11. Spectators lined King Street to Strand, at the participants marched through town, finishing at the reviewing stand.

Veterans Day celebrations were held on all three islands.

The St. Croix Veterans Day Parade was headed by local and national dignitaries, including Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Brig. Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker, State Director of Veterans Affairs Patrick Farrell, Sens. Novelle Francis and Javan James and VITEMA DIrecotr Daryl Jaschen.

Army National Guard Units, the 73rd Army Band, Junior ROTC units from St. Croix Central High School and St. Croix Educational Complex, American Legion Post No. 85, the Education Complex;s Barracudas Marching Band and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts were among those who participated.

American Legion District No. 10 Commander Charles David, one of this year’s honorees, was the first Virgin Islands Army National Guard member to graduate from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. He became the Command Sergeant Major of the Virgin Islands National Guard. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

American Legion District No. 10 Commander Charles David, one of this year’s honorees, was the first Virgin Islands Army National Guard member to graduate from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
American Legion District No. 10 Commander Charles David, one of this year’s honorees, was the first Virgin Islands Army National Guard member to graduate from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.
The 73rd Army Band plays the National Anthem during St. Croix Veterans Day activities.. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The 73rd Army Band plays the National Anthem during St. Croix Veterans Day activities.. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Army National Guard marches past the reviewing stand in Frederiksted, St. Croix as part of the celebration of Veterans Day. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Army National Guard marches past the reviewing stand in Frederiksted, St. Croix as part of the celebration of Veterans Day. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Army National Guard, and all the territory’s military, include individuals who are our family, friends and neighbors. Each a part of the larger whole that protects and serves. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Members of the St. Croix Central High School Caribs Battalion JROTC salute as they pass the reviewing stand, colors held high in front of a large crowd. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Members of the St. Croix Central High School Caribs Battalion JROTC salute as they pass the reviewing stand, colors held high in front of a large crowd. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

The Educational Complex Barracudas Marching Band added color and music to the day. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Educational Complex Barracudas Marching Band added color and music to the day. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Dell Mester, aged 97, was the oldest veteran in attendance. “I just felt as though I should come today,” he said. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Dell Mester, aged 97, was the oldest veteran in attendance. “I just felt as though I should come today,” he said. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Banners wave in the wind as the Army National Guard marches down Strand Street. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Banners wave in the wind as the Army National Guard marches down Strand Street. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
Members of the American Legion march down King Street. (Source photo by Linda Morland)