St. Thomas, V.I. – The Victim Services Unit of the V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ) is teaming up with the Family Resource Center (FRC) to host this year’s observance of the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims slated for Monday Sept. 25th at 5:30pm at the Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas.
Attorney General Ariel Smith said the event gives the entire Virgin Islands community the opportunity to come out and collectively honor and remember those who lost their lives to the violence that besets our society. “At the heart of each homicide case are real people with families who love and miss them. It is very important we continue to say their names and remember their legacy. The DOJ remains committed to seeking justice in all prosecutions, including those who have been murdered”, said AG Smith.
As a precursor to the main event, there will be a rose-laying ceremony – to honor homicide victims from September 25, 2022, to present – at 5:00p.m. on the Waterfront in front of the Vendors’ Plaza.
DOJ’s Victim Services Coordinator, Elma Brathwaite, who is charged with performing a myriad of roles to ensure that victims are treated with dignity and compassion says she strongly believes this ceremony is a fitting way for the public to exhibit its empathy and sympathy for the surviving relatives and friends of murder victims.
“National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims is a time for relatives to share recollections of their loved ones who lost their lives to violence and keep their memory alive. We always want to make sure these victims are never forgotten, and this gives us the opportunity to focus on remembering them,” said Ms. Brathwaite.
The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims was established by Congress in 2007 and is observed annually on Sept. 25.
Anyone interested in joining should call the Family Resource Center at 340) 776-3966 the V.I. Department of Justice, Victim Services Division at (340) 774-5666 Ext. 10205.