U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS— Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Issued the following statement commemorating the 108th Anniversary of Transfer Day:
“Today, we pause to reflect on the 108th anniversary of Transfer Day—a defining moment in our history that continues to shape the political, cultural, and social fabric of the Virgin Islands.
“On March 31, 1917, sovereignty over these islands shifted from Denmark to the United States. With the changing of the flags came a new era—one that brought both opportunity and challenge, one that began a long and still-unfinished journey toward political maturity, economic self-determination, and full democratic inclusion.
“As we conclude Virgin Islands History Month, Transfer Day reminds us that our story cannot be told solely through the lens of colonial transition but must also be celebrated as a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and unshakable pride of Virgin Islanders.
“We are a people of African heritage, Caribbean spirit, and American nationality. Our identity is beautifully layered, and our history is both painful and powerful. While we honor this day, we also acknowledge the complex legacy it represents: a legacy that includes restricted citizenship, the pursuit of greater self-governance, and the ongoing call for equal rights and political empowerment.
“Yet in every generation, Virgin Islanders have answered that call. We have fought for dignity, demanded fairness, and carved out spaces for ourselves in every arena—from education and the arts to government, business, and global leadership. Our contributions are not footnotes in someone else’s story; they are milestones in our own.
“Let today be a moment not only of commemoration but of recommitment. Let us recommit to the vision of a Virgin Islands that fully realizes its potential—grounded in the legacy of our ancestors and propelled by the dreams of our children.
“As Governor, I remain steadfast in my belief that the future of the Virgin Islands must be shaped by Virgin Islanders. And I am confident that together, with unity, clarity of purpose, and pride in our heritage, we will continue to build a Territory that honors our past while boldly defining our future.
“May this Transfer Day be both meaningful and memorable for you and your families.
Happy Transfer Day.”
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Government of the United States Virgin Islands