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On December 9, we celebrate the life and legacy of V.C. Bird on V.C. Bird Day! This day is named after Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr., who was a prominent Antiguan politician and the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. He played a crucial role in the country's independence movement and is still remembered as a beloved leader by many today. On this day, we honor his contributions to his nation and reflect on the values he stood for – including unity, progress, and equality for all. So let's take a moment to pay tribute to this remarkable figure and continue his legacy of making our world a better place.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1910</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of V.C. Bird</div><div class='timeline-text'>Born on December 9, 1910, Vere Cornwall (V.C.) Bird would later become a significant figure in Antigua and Barbuda's political history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Founding of the ALP</div><div class='timeline-text'>V.C. Bird founded the Antigua Labour Party (ALP), promoting workers' rights and political reform, and highlighting his commitment to social justice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Becomes First Premier</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following Antigua's achievement of full internal self-governance, Bird became the country's first Premier.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence and First Prime Minister</div><div class='timeline-text'>When Antigua and Barbuda gained independence, Bird took office as the nation's first Prime Minister, a testament to his leadership.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Retirement from Politics</div><div class='timeline-text'>Bird retired from politics, marking the end of his extraordinary political career and his significant contributions to the country's development.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inaugural V.C. Bird Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Antigua and Barbuda celebrated the first V.C. Bird Day, continuing to honor Bird's legacy and reflect on the values he embodied.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate V.C. Bird Day by attending a local parade. Enjoy the colorful floats, music, and lively atmosphere while honoring the life and achievements of V.C. Bird.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about V.C. Bird's legacy by visiting a historical site related to his life and accomplishments. This could be a museum, monument, or other important location.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a traditional Antiguan meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sample some delicious Antiguan cuisine in honor of V.C. Bird Day. This could include dishes like saltfish and ducana, fungee and pepperpot, or conch fritters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Pay tribute to V.C. Bird's commitment to public service by organizing a community service project. This could be volunteering at a local charity or organizing a neighborhood clean-up.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a trivia night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and test your knowledge of V.C. Bird and Antiguan history with a fun trivia night. You can even offer prizes for the winners!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates a great leader</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>V.C. Bird Day is dedicated to Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, who served as the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. He led his country through significant changes and improvements, making him an important figure in its history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and patriotism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>V.C. Bird Day is not only a celebration of one person, but also a celebration of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda. It brings people together and instills a sense of pride in their country, fostering unity and patriotism among citizens.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates about the country's history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>V.C. Bird Day serves as an opportunity to learn more about the history of Antigua and Barbuda and the impact that Sir Vere Cornwall Bird had on the country. It is a reminder of the progress made and serves as inspiration for the future.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>V.C. Birds' Political Career Lasted Over 40 Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>Sir V.C. Bird's political career spanned over four decades, in which he greatly contributed to the social and economic progress of Antigua and Barbuda.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>V.C. Bird Is Known As The Father Of The Nation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Because of his role in leading Antigua and Barbuda to independence, Sir V.C. Bird is often referred to as the 'Father of the Nation'.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>V.C. Bird Received Several International Honors</h3><p class='facts-content'>In recognition of his contributions, Sir V.C. Bird received several international honors, including being made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George by Queen Elizabeth II.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Country's Main Airport Is Named After V.C. Bird</h3><p class='facts-content'>The main international gateway to Antigua and Barbuda, formerly known as Coolidge International Airport, was renamed V.C. Bird International Airport in his honor in 1985.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>V.C. Bird Was Dedicated to Workers' Rights</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bird started his political career as a trade unionist fighting for workers' rights, notably leading a successful sugar trade strike in 1946 which led to the doubling of wages for sugar workers.</p></div></div>
V.C. Bird Day is celebrated on December 9 every year. In 2024, V.C. Bird Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Dec 9
Saturday
2024
Dec 9
Monday
2025
Dec 9
Tuesday
2026
Dec 9
Wednesday
2027
Dec 9
Thursday
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