American Legion post gets permanent home
Published: July 19, 2010
Font size: [A] [A] [A]
American Legion Post 133 Headquarters Building on Prince Street in Frederiksted was dedicated Sunday afternoon.
ST. CROIX — More than 100 legionnaires, auxiliaries, veterans, their families, government officials and members of the community joined to celebrate the dedication of American Legion Bromley Berkeley Post No. 133 in Frederiksted on Sunday afternoon.
The new headquarters, located on Prince Street next to the ruins of St. Alphonsus Convent, was completed in May earlier this year after many years of planning.
Post 133 Commander Curtis Williams said the post was given a temporary charter in 1967 and a permanent one in 1971. He said members met at different locations on the island throughout the years, most recently at the Crusaders Fraternity Club in Estate Hogensgorg.
Williams said their next official meeting will be at the newly dedicated building on Aug. 8.
Post 133 member Alphonso Franklin said they have been trying for more than 10 years to acquire the property, which housed St. Patrick’s Catholic School about 45 years ago. They were finally successful in acquiring the property from the V.I. government six years ago, Franklin said.
The new post was funded with $118,681 from a 2005 Community Development Block Grant, $50,000 from the 26th Legislature, $173,000 from the V.I. Public Finance Authority, $25,000 from HOVENSA, $5,000 from Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino and donations from the business community.
Sen. Usie Richards said it was his pleasure to be at the ceremony.
“This is for those who served in time of peace and in time of war,” Richards said. “I know it’s important in not only preserving the area, but to bring in something of substance to the town of Frederiksted.”
Director of Veterans Affairs Morris Moorehead said it had a been a long battle to get the building completed since the groundbreaking three years ago.
“It shows what you can get with determination,” Moorehead said. “Welcome to your new home, I hope you enjoy it.”
Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen also said she was happy to be at the ceremony Sunday. “This building is not just mortar, concrete and all that but a lot of hard work,” Christensen said. “Members of Post 133 have all served with dignity and honor.”
Gov. John deJongh Jr. also attended the ceremony. He thanked those before him for serving their country.
“It’s tremendous that on this day we can celebrate this building and this place,” deJongh said. “It’s the men and women of the military that we honor for willing to step up.”
The Rev. Kevin McDonald, associate pastor at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, blessed the building.
Franklin said they need to work on the parking lot next and to acquire air conditioning for the building.
