18 November 2024
The Government has launched a public consultation to record Islanders' opinions on the formal adoption of a national day and a Jersey anthem.
Liberation Day and the song “Beautiful Jersey" are culturally significant in Jersey, and the Government is seeking views on whether these should be officially recognised as a national day and the Jersey anthem, ahead of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day in 2025.
The consultation forms part of a wider Island Identity project and follows recommendations made by a Policy Development Board, led by the Minister for International Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey.
Deputy Labey said: “We hope to strengthen a sense of community and citizenship in Jersey through this consultation, while also commemorating our heritage and history. It would be lovely to formalise both a national day and a Jersey anthem in time for the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day next year.
“The song 'Beautiful Jersey' is already viewed by many as our anthem and has been used at public and sporting events for some time. However, it has never been officially agreed as such.
“Adopting 9 May as an official national day will not change the way Liberation Day is celebrated, but it will help jurisdictions around the world better understand its importance to Islanders."
gov.je