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How Memorial Day was Honored in the Virgin Islands ~ 1935

 

How Memorial Day was celebrated in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

How Memorial Day was Honored
May 30, 1935

Memorial Day was a solemn holiday recognized as a day of remembrance, similar to All Soul’s Day.

It was a day to honor those that had passed on, specifically, fallen soldiers who died while serving in the military.

Hundreds of Virgin Islanders joined together to participate in the planned activities.

The Memorial Day Parade

Crewmen of the US Coast Guard Marion helps many in the US Virgin Islands ~ 1930s By Valerie Sims

Municipal police officers lead the honorary parade followed by the US Marines, USCG Marion cadets, and scouting troops.

When the procession arrived at King’s Wharf, citizens bowed their heads in silence as the band played Nearer My God to Thee.

Many were moved when the Girl Scouts threw wreaths into the water to honor those that died at sea.

In the afternoon, families placed flowers on the graves of their loved ones.

Memorial Day
Children honoring Decoration Day in St. Thomas.

How the Holiday Originated

Honoring Memorial Day in the US Virgin Islands during the 1930s By Valerie Sims
May 31, 1935, VI Daily News

The holiday originated in the years following the Civil War with the first commemoration in New York in 1868.

More than one hundred years later, it was recognized as a Federal holiday (1971), and has been honored ever since.

Holida

Planes Fly over St. Thomas Harbor

As the ceremony came to a close on that memorable day, Virgin Islanders said their own farewell.

Looking towards the sky was a squadron of planes flying over the harbor in formation, a gallant show of solidarity for the lost. ✈️

 Click below to hear the song played on that day.

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