American Day Observed Around the Same Time
November 12, 2026 A NATION UNDER GOD!!️ "I pledge to my country, the Territory of the Virgin Islands, to encourage national pride and dignity, render service, promote justice for all, be true to God and remain dedicated to these Virgin Islands." (The Virgin Islands Pledge adopted by the House of Assembly on June 23, 2016) Beloved, we just observed Remembrance Day in honour of all in the British...
November 12, 2026 A NATION UNDER GOD‼️ "I pledge to my country, the Territory of the Virgin Islands, to encourage national pride and dignity, render service, promote justice for all, be true to God and remain dedicated to these Virgin Islands." (The Virgin Islands Pledge adopted by the House of Assembly on June 23, 2016) Beloved, we just observed Remembrance Day in honour of all in the British Commonwealth who gave service to their country in times of war.
The American version of Veterans Day was observed around the same time. This is a day when nations recognize the service and sacrifice of the citizens who stand by the pledge to be patriotic when needed in defence of their country against foreign occupation, or any occasion when a military stance is required to protect one's sovereignty and national interests.
The Virgin Islands Pledge was instituted to "promote local heritage and national pride". The question can be asked: how effective is it? In the first instance, is it commonly recited at national events? I've never heard a meeting or ceremony open with the Pledge, as it is often the case with the Territorial song.
Both the song and the Pledge should go together. The song is about praising the attributes of the Virgin Islands, while the Pledge is a Declaration of commitment to uphold virtues of good citizenship. In 1892 the original US Pledge of Allegiance was adopted, including the words: "one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".
But in 1954, when America was under threat of Communism and atheism, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a Bill to include the words "one nation under God" in the Pledge. How important is it to have a consciousness that we must acknowledge God as the Sovereign Ruler over our nation?
As Christians, it is an integral part of our faith to put God first; before any earthly King, President or Premier. If our nation is under God we expect Godly principles to characterize the administration of political affairs. The Scriptures tell us that "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to all people" (Proverbs 14:34).
As a nation going through growing pains, our people need stable truths to stand on; firm principles that promote a Better Virgin Islands. We can start by knowing the national Pledge of Allegiance; teach it to the children; remind ourselves at ceremonies, and if agreed, include the words: "one nation under God" to help scatter the notion that the Virgin Islands should have different classes of Virgin Islanders.
We should focus on unity rather than division. For united we stand, but divided we fall. May Almighty God help us in these Virgin Islands. May faith and hope be our anchor that we may not drift away from "whatsoever things are true, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report"; let us focus on these things as stated in Philippians 4:8.
Beloved, building a nation is not only about pouring concrete of cement and sand. It is also, first and foremost the building of the mind; instilling righteousness in our values, and practicing what we preach. We talk about love, let's demonstrate it. We want a Better Virgin Islands, let's refrain from causing division among people; we may have different backgrounds, but we can still Pledge to be patriotic and embrace our heritage.
Let's not be confused by the disgruntled voices on radio or social media that speak division: creating different classes of people is division and separation, which weakens and destroys efforts to be "One nation under God". Amen! ❤🙏🏽 #sphlovenotes #focusforward #leadershipwithintegrity
Primary source: Tortola Community Board (Facebook)