Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis joined active and retired service members and the community in remembering veterans at a Veterans Day program held in Buddhoe Park in Frederiksted, St. Croix.  The Veterans Day commemoration was hosted by American Legion District 10 and the Office of Veterans Affairs.

Francis, an Army veteran, takes pride in celebrating Veterans Day. “Veterans are the cornerstone of our country’s existence. We are the men and women who have answered the call to serve, sacrificing our lives and families, entering unfamiliar countries and terrains to preserve the freedoms we cherish. This we do in the name of duty, honor and patriotism,” he told the crowd gathered in Buddhoe Park.   Lt. Governor Francis also asked the audience to remember the soldiers who lost their lives in the Fort Hood tragedy and reminded them to keep the wounded soldiers and the families affected by the tragedy in their prayers.

Keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Denise Canton, was welcomed with warm applause.  A St. Croix native, she encouraged the audience to freely thank veterans for their service.  Rear Admiral Canton also spoke about the Obama administration’s efforts to address the concerns of unemployment among veterans, veterans’ health and the healthcare of female veterans.

The ceremony was highlighted by performances by the St. Croix Brass Band and the St. Croix Educational Complex Marching Band.