On the recordNovember 9, 2017
On behalf of my family and staff, I want to salute and commemorate the veterans of the U.S. Virgin Islands and throughout the United States on this Veterans Day. The Virgin Islands along with the other territories send more men and women per capita to serve in the U.S. military than anywhere else in this Nation. I would like to personally recognize Task Force Alpha on St. Croix, Task Force Bravo on St. Thomas, and St. John Responders. On Veterans Day, we salute the men and women who have proudly worn the uniform and the families who have served alongside them. We affirm our sacred duty as citizens to express our enduring gratitude, both in words and actions, for their service. As part of Veterans Day this year in the Virgin Islands, we will be honoring female veterans in the territory. Being honored as parade marshal and guest speaker on the island of St. Croix is Major Kathleen Parris; on St. Thomas, Sergeant First Class Laurel Maloon-Francis, serving as parade marshal; and serving as guest speaker on the island of St. Thomas will be former military spouse, Monique Y. Ferrell, director of the Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program. Mr. Speaker, just as we vow to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we vow not to forget any veteran when they return home. ____________________
