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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
 
ACTING GOVERNR VALDAMIER COLLENS SIGNS A PROCLAMATION 
HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 
AND HONORING THE MANY VIRGIN ISLANDERS WHO CONTINUE TO 
SACRIFICE THEIR LIVES IN PROTECTION OF THIS COUNTRY   
 
 
(St. Thomas, July 22, 2015)  On July 21, 2015, the President of the United States of 
America, Barack Obama, issued a Proclamation ordering that all flags of the United States of 
America be flown at half-staff on the White House, and upon all public buildings and grounds 
under federal jurisdiction honoring the victims of the tragedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  In his 
Proclamation, President Obama noted that the thoughts and prayers of the Nation are with the 
service members killed last week in Chattanooga.  President Obama further honored their service 
and offered the Nation’s “gratitude to the police officers and first responders who stopped the 
rampage and saved lives.” 
 
 
“I join President Obama and the Nation in honoring the service members who were 
slain in Chattanooga, and further honor the many Virgin Islanders who continue to sacrifice their 
lives in protection of this country.  Accordingly, it is appropriate that the Territorial Flags be flown 
at half-staff for the length of time as ordered in President Obama’s Proclamation.” Stated Acting 
Governor, Valdamier Collens as he signed the proclamation ordering the flag of the Virgin Islands 
of the United States to be flown at half-staff at Government House and upon all public buildings 
and grounds, throughout the Territory until sunset, July 25, 2015. 
 
 
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