National Heroes Day in Antigua and Barbuda
by Karen Rollins Nov 26, 2018
On Sunday 9th December Antigua and Barbuda will celebrate and remember its National Heroes.
Some of the country’s heroes who are honoured on this day for their contribution to the island include independence leader and first Prime Minister Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr; revolutionary slave leader King ‘Prince Klass’ Court; Sir George H. Walter, the country’s second Prime Minister; legendary cricketer Sir Vivian Richards, and educator Dame Georgiana Nellie Robinson who also advocated for children’s rights.
Last year some of the events for the day featured a wreath laying ceremony with military honours at the V.C. Bird bust on Market Street with speeches from the Governor General, the Prime Minister, members of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union, and the Bird Family.
A thanksgiving service in honour of the life and work of V.C. Bird was also held at The Salvation Army in St John’s.
National Heroes Day falls on 9th December because that is the official birthday of the first hero of Antigua and Barbuda, V.C. Bird.
He served as the first Prime Minister from November 1981 to March 1994 and is generally regarded as the father of the nation.
Sources: Public Holidays / Antigua Newsroom / Antigua Nice