I can’t help but remember the meaning – symbolism – of the flag.  In the VI flag, we find a copy of the United States Seal.

The main figure on the obverse (or front) of the seal is the coat of arms of the United States, a bald eagle with its wings outstretched (or “displayed,” in heraldic terms). From the eagle’s perspective, it holds a bundle of 13 arrows in its left talon, (referring to the 13 original states), and an olive branch, in its right talon, together symbolizing that the United States of America has “a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war.”

If you look at the Virgin Islands Flag, you will find three (3) arrows in the left talon. Obviously, that refers to the 3 islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix).
And, here’s how some have described the symbolism of the eagle:

The eagle represents freedom. Living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains, amid the solitary grandeur of Nature, he has unlimited freedom, whether with strong pinions he sweeps into the valleys below, or upward into the boundless spaces beyond…

Thus the eagle, full of the boundless spirit of freedom, living above the valleys, strong and powerful in his might, has become the national emblem of a country that offers freedom in word and thought and an opportunity for a full and free expansion into the boundless space of the future.

So, what does this mean for us as Virgin Islanders?

Well, one assessment is that the Virgin Islands is to have “a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war.” And, what war is that? Well, the eagle tells us – “an opportunity for a full and free expansion into the boundless space of the future.” Are you ready?

Have we reached the finish line? Do we – as Virgin Islanders – have the freedom to fully expand into the future? Or, are there things that limit us? What do you think?

I’m looking for a Virgin Islanders who are passionate for the Virgin Islands! Are you one of them? If so, subscribe to this blog! Leave us your thoughts!

Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders…those at home and those abroad!

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