East Providence celebrates veterans at Fourth weekend event

Ceremony notes "Garden of Flags," "Honor Flight Pathway" at memorial location

World War II veteran Jack Oliver is escorted by East Providence Veterans Advisory Commission Chairman Jim Miller as he is awarded a Rhode Island citation for his dedication and service to his country.

Photos by Tim Marshall

State Representative Helder Cunha recognizes the work of Honor Flight New England and their work to produce the Honor Roll Pathway in Veterans Memorial Park.

Members of the US Combat Veterans Motor Cycle Club stand at attention during the dedication of the Garden of Flags.

First Sargent Antony Abatecola reads the names of 13 East Providence residents who were killed in the Vietnam War to dedicate the new "Garden of Flags".

East Providence resident gather to watch the dedication of the new Garden of Flags.

First Sargent Antony Abatecola plays Taps for all the fallen East Providence soldiers of American wars.

Members of the National Guard fire off a 21 gun salute for the fallen soldiers of the Vietnam War.

City veterans were among those honored during the ceremony.

Photo courtesy Rick Lawson

EastBayRI.com · Monday, July 3, 2017 10:21 am

By Mike Rego

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Veterans Advisory Committee hosted a recognition and dedication event for the “Garden of Flags” and “Honor Flight New England Pathway” at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, July 1.
The ceremony took place at the park located off Veterans Memorial Parkway, which now houses East Providence’s Vietnam War Memorial. The event was hosted by the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission.
“It was amazing,” said Vets Commission member Rick Lawson. “The attendance was well over 100 people and the respect shown to the World War II veterans was incredible.”
The program as well included introductions, guest speakers and the honoring of local veterans. The Rhode Island National Guard Funeral Team will also present a firing party. “Taps” was performed by“The Governor’s Own” 88th Army Band, including Vets Commission Vice Chairman and First Sergeant Anthony Abatecola, who also sand the National Anthem.
The signature acknowledgements were of the “Garden Of Flags,” which was created by Battle Monuments Foundation Inc. in 2016 and the “Honor Flight New England Pathway,” which was laid into place earlier this year.
Speakers included Mr. Abatecola, Vice Chairman of the Veterans Advisory Committee State Representative Helder J. Cunha, District 64, East Providence and U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, Democrat from Rhode Island First District. The keynote speaker was Joe Byron, a representative of Honor Flight of New England. Vets Commission Chairman Jim Miller offered up welcoming comments and introductions.
Among those honored in person were WWII veterans Dennis M. Rousseau, U.S. Army; Ronald A Rousseau U.S. Navy; Jack Oliver, U.S. Navy; George Amaral, U.S. Navy and Raymond Michaud, U.S. Navy. Past and fallen veterans with city ties were also recognized formally.
Learn more about the the Honor Flight program at honorflight.org.