The Salvation Army is celebrating its 90^th anniversary in St. Thomas with several events this weekend, including an Annual Civic Gala “honoring persons and institutions who have invested their talents and resources helping others in the community”, said Captain Ricardo Fernandez, Divisional Commander for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“We are truly honored to have this significant celebration here in St. Thomas.  We came 90 years ago and we will continue working within the Virgin Islands, providing hope to those in need, helping our children, families, elders and homeless. Our Territorial Commaders, Lawrence and Nancy Moretz, are joining us in St. Thomas as well as our official band, The Pendel Brass Band from Pennsylvania, and over 50 officers are here, as part of our commitment to the Virgin Islands community”, said Fernandez.

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The 90^th anniversary in St. Thomas will host an outdoor concert Saturday at 10:30AM at the Emancipation Park which will be followed by a parade down Main Street Charlotte Amalie at 11:30 a.m to the Salvation Army headquarters where the Emergency Mobile Canteen Dedication will be dedicated.  This new unit will reinforce the Social Services Program of the Salvation Army in St. Thomas and will be used to provide food, water, and immediate assistance to the homeless and those affected by natural disaster.  First Lady Cecile deJongh will deliver the keynote address.

The Salvation Army Annual Civic Gala will be held Saturday, May 12^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel.  During the ceremony, two awards will be conferred honoring a person and an institution for their commitment to the Virgin Islands  community. The Others Award honors an organization exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to others. The William Booth Award, one of the highest awards conferred upon an individual by the Salvation Army.  The recipient is honored for their dedication to the Salvation Army’s Goal of Service and outstanding service to the community though the donation of time, talents and energy.

On Sunday, May 13^th, the Salvation Army 90^th Anniversary Worship Celebration will be held at the St. Thomas Reformed Church at 9:00AM, with a special musical selection from the Pendell Brass Band.  During the worship Minister Jeffrey H. Gargano will present a special gift from the Reformed Church to the  St. Thomas Corps of the Salvation Army, a mission of the Reformed Church.

Tom Bolt, Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the members of the Advisory Board, invite the Virgin Islands community to be part of this great celebration.  “This is an historic event for the Salvation Army and the people of the Virgin Islands.  The Salvation Army has been a part of the life and history of our Virgin Islands for over 90 years, and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate almost a century of tireless dedication to those in need in our islands”,  Bolt said