Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis extended his best wishes for a safe and splendid Emancipation Day and Independence Day weekend.

“While this is a perfect opportunity to barbecue, go to the beach or spend time with family and friends, it is important not to forget the historic meaning and similar significances of these two summer days,” Lt. Governor Francis said. “Each year, Emancipation Day reminds us of the sacrifices and struggles made by our forefathers to break the bonds of slavery and peacefully demand freedom. We are forever beholden to freedom fighter heroes such as General Buddhoe whose single-minded bravery allowed generations of Virgin Islanders to blaze their own paths and truly determine their own destiny.”

Lt. Governor Francis added that we should also cherish the similar struggles made by the founding fathers of the United States who had the courage to declare independence from the empirical forces of Great Britain. “America has long had a history of freedom and democracy that we, as Virgin Islanders and a territory of the United States, have fully embraced. Many of our sons and daughters have fought and died to protect these freedoms and we are grateful and honored to be Americans.”

Finally Lt. Governor called on Virgin Islanders to join in on the festivities planned to commemorate our national and local holidays as we reflect on their greater meaning and the legendary heroes whose lives and deeds we celebrate.

“More importantly, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday filled with fun, laughter and much-needed rest.

# # #