Liberty Day in US Virgin Islands
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, November 1st holds special significance. It is a holiday known as Liberty Day, commemorating David Hamilton Jackson and the free press in what was once the Danish West Indies, now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands.
US Virgin Islands (Public holiday)For many years, the Danish West Indies were subject to a program of censorship, and it was not until the successful efforts of David Hamilton Jackson, a native of St. Croix, who fought for the freedom of the press and also started the first free newspaper on the islands, The Herald.
The History of Liberty Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
While the Virgin Islands were under Danish control, a program of censorship was in place, and all publications on the islands were heavily censored. This changed when David Hamilton Jackson petitioned the King of Denmark for freedom of the press on the islands.
This was granted, and Jackson was then able to start the first free newspaper, The Herald. Today, November 1st is celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands to honor freedom of the press and the first free newspaper in the Virgin Islands.
Observing Liberty Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands
This is a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so it is a day off for many people, and schools, government offices, and some businesses are closed for the day. It is a day celebrated mainly by journalists and through special events that highlight the importance of a free press.
On social media, the hashtag #LibertyDay is often used to spread the word about this holiday. Since this is a day off for many, some people use the holiday to spend time with loved ones, visit the beaches, or participate in other events.
US Virgin Islands (Public holiday)
