Bryan issues August proclamations recognizing Evans, Blyden and other observances

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a series of proclamations for August 2024 recognizing Virgin Islands figures and several territorial and national observances.

Bryan proclaimed Aug. 7, 2024, as Melvin Evans Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking the birth date of former Gov. Melvin H. Evans, who was born Aug. 7, 1917, in Christiansted, St. Croix. The proclamation said Evans was the last governor appointed by a U.S. president and the first popularly elected governor of the territory, serving from 1971 to 1975.

He also proclaimed Aug. 3, 2024, as Edward Wilmoth Blyden Day, in observance of Blyden's 192nd birthday. The proclamation identified Blyden, who was born on St. Thomas, as an educator associated with negritude, Pan-Africanism, African nationalism and African Christian theology.

Bryan proclaimed Aug. 3, 2024, as V.I. National Night Out in recognition of National Night Out on Aug. 6, 2024, in the United States. The proclamation noted territorywide community-building campaigns sponsored by the Law Enforcement Planning Commission and the U.S. Virgin Islands Juvenile Justice State Advisory Board, including a Gospel Explosion on St. Thomas scheduled for Aug. 10, 2024, and events on St. Croix and St. John in September.

Other proclamations recognized Aug. 9, 2024, as International Day for the World's Indigenous People; Aug. 4-10, 2024, as National Farmers Market Week in the U.S. Virgin Islands; Aug. 7, 2024, as Purple Heart Day; and Aug. 19-23, 2024, as SHRM Virgin Islands HR Week.

In the Purple Heart Day proclamation, Bryan wrote, "We remember and salute the servicemen and servicewomen who have been wounded or killed in action as well as the families who also bear the emotional and physical loss because of war."

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-albert-bryan-jr-issues-proclamations-for-the-month-of-august/