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How St. Thomas Honored the Longest Serving Veteran Postman ~ 1903

Veteran postman, Joseph Lorand accepts award in the Danish West Indies ~ 1911 By Valerie Sims

Recently, several friends on Facebook have wondered about the identity of a Veteran Postman seen in this postcard image above.ย 

Mystery Postman Identified!

Joseph Lorand, the veteran postman receives an honorary award in the Danish West Indies. By Valerie SimsWhile researching another topic, I stumbled uponย the postman’s name in an old newspaper!

He is Mr. Joseph Lorand, the longest-serving postal service worker in the Danish West Indies!ย 

Postman Joseph Lorand stands on the left side. Source: Dansk Vestindien Selskab
Postman Joseph Lorand stands on the left side. Source: Dansk Vestindien Selskab

Receiving an Honorary Award

On May 31, 1911, Mr. Lorand was recognized for his great contributions. ย 

He received the silver cross of Dannebrogsmand. ย 

This medal was awarded to Danes who provided a service to the “fatherland” through a noble deed.

“He was the first native among the working men, ‘being a carpenter by trade’, to be thus distinguished.

He began his duties in July 1878 when he was twenty-eight years of age.

Though designated as a letter carrier, and still atย times doing that work, he was also very helpfulย inside the office as well. ”ย 

He was known to many and well respected in the community.

Acting Government Secretary, Baumann made the presentation.

He praised and congratulated Mr. Lorand for this high distinction of twenty-five years of faithful service.ย ๐ŸŽ–

The recipient was deeply moved by the kind words and expressions.

He loved his job and continued with the Post Office, serving approximately thirty-two years.

New Uniform

In October 1911, he donned a new uniform, which arrived from Copenhagen.

It was dark blue trousers and a scarlet coat with a double row of silver buttons stamped with the Royal monogram. ย 

The sleeve was striped with silver braid and a cap of blue and silver.

He walked with distinction and honor.

This year marks the 106th anniversary since this honor was bestowed on one so deserving. ๐ŸŽ–

Below is the grateful letter he published in the local newspapers, the St. Thomas Tidende and The Bulletin.ย 

Veteran Postman Joseph Lorand of the US Virgin Islands and Danish West Indies

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Before our time, an oral history of st john, us virgin islands, dansk vestindien, danish west indies

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