Best $25 Million Spent By US Government -- Happy 97st 'Birthday' to the US Virgin Islands

Today - March 31st - marks the 97th anniversary of the day the Danish government transferred the Virgin Islands to the United States officially making them the UNITED STATES Virgin Islands (USVI).  Around the USVI, each year the day which is officially referred to as Transfer Day, is marked by celebrations and lectures.

Looking back at the $25 million it cost to 'buy' the Virgin Islands it sure seems like a pretty good investment!

Here is an idea for next year's Transfer Day: come to St John yourself to celebrate your islands!

The US Virgin Islands flag flies proudly at the London Summer Olympics

The US Virgin Islands flag flies proudly in London at the Summer Olympics photo credit Mimi Roller

Can you name the flags flying next to the US Virgin Islands flag? Did you know that the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC) has sent a team to every Central American & Caribbean, Pan American and Olympic competition since 1966.  With the exception of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow which the VIOC boycotted, it has sent a team to every Olympic competition since the mid 1960's. The first medal - a silver - was won at the 1988 Seoul Olympics by Peter Holmberg in Yachting.  Might this year be the year to add to that medal?

This year the US Virgin Islands qualified 7 athletes in 3 different sports for the London Summer Games which start tomorrow, Thursday, July 26, and last through August 12.  Additionally, the USVI will be represented in the Paralympic Games, with an equestrian athlete, which also takes place this summer starting on August 29.  Let us celebrate them all:

• Lee Frawley Equestrian, Paralympic Games
• Muhammad Halim Athletics Triple Jump
• Tabarie Henry 4th in the world 400m
• Laverne Jones-Ferrette Athletics 100m & 200m
• Allison Peter Athletics 100m & 200m
• Mimi Roller Laser Class Sailing
• Cy Thompson Laser Class Sailing
• Branden Whitehurst Swimming 100m Freestlye