Veteran’s Day Events in Rhode Island

Friday, November 11, 2011

Leah Michaels, GoLocalProv Contributor

Veteran’s Day is when we appreciate everything the men and women of the armed forces have sacrificed for our country. Here are some local events to honor and remember those who have served and are still fighting to protect our freedom.

Women Warriors Luncheon

To celebrate the Rhode Island women who have served, the inaugural Women Warriors Luncheon is taking place at 11:30 AM at the Quidnesset Country Club in North Kingstown. It will raise funds for the Holly Charette House in Johnston, named for Lance Corporal Holly Charette, the first Rhode Island female killed in Iraq. The house is transitional housing for homeless female veterans, owned and operated by Operation Stand Down, a non-profit organization with the goal to end homelessness among veterans in Rhode Island. Holly’s mother Regina Roberts will speak, and other local female veterans will share their experiences and stories. Also sponsored by 630 WPRO and Alex and Ani. Tickets can be bought here.

Bristol Memorials

Bristol has events all day Friday. In the morning at 8:30 AM the Bristol Veterans council will lay wreaths at the Bristol War Veterans Memorial Garden, followed by an interfaith service at the Rhode Island Veteran’s Home with a performance by the East Bay Choir. At 11 AM there will be different speakers under a tent at the veterans home, including U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph P. Voboril and State Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. The Mt. Hope High School band will play patriotic songs, and after the speaking portion a wreath-laying and gun salute by the Bristol Train of Artillery will accompany the reading of all the conflicts that American soldiers have participated in.

East Greenwich Parade

The annual Veteran’s Day parade in East Greenwich kicks off at 10 AM from Academy Field and marches to First Ave before proceeding down Main Street. Aaron Lindo, the “Lone Piper,” and the Grand Marshal to be Robert W. Houghtaling, will be leading the parade. Groups marching include varios Color Guards, the Kentish Guards, and the Varnum Continentals. The East Greenwich High School band and Night Life Marching Band will provide the music, local Boy and Girl Scout troops will march, and Mrs. Rhode Island America 2011 and Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 2012 will be in attendance. There will also be classic and antique cars, fire engines, and the Providence Mounted Command.

Restaurant Deals for Vets

Many chain restaurants have special deals or freebies for veterans and enlisted servicemen and women on Veterans Day to show their appreciation. For example, Applebee’s and the Olive Garden are giving out free entrees, Subway is giving out free 6-inch subs and flatbread sandwiches, and UNO’s Chicago Grill is offering all vets and active military a 19.43% discount on their whole check. All locations require proof of service, and calling ahead is encouraged to make sure they are participating in the specials. More places and deals can be read about here.

Warren Ceremony

In Warren, Henry C. Duquette, chief of staff of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War/Department of Rhode Island, will be the speaker at the town’s Veterans Day ceremony on the Town Common. He will help the town mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s start in 1861. The ceremony begins at 11 AM, and the Vietnam vets will be joined by Warren Post 104 of the American Legion, Warren Unit 11 of the American Legion Auxiliary; the Warren chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, the Kickemuit Grange, and Boy Scout Troop 25 of Warren. After the ceremony, a collation will be held in the Methodist Church on Church Street side of the Common.

Procession at Brown University

Brown University will be having a procession and wreath-laying ceremony at noon on Friday. Speakers include U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, World War II veteran and Brown grad Paul Lipsitt, and student veteran Chaney Harrison. U.S. Rep. David Cicilline will also be in attendance. Led by the Providence College ROTC Honor Guard, the procession will travel from the Main Green to Lincoln Field. Following remarks, the event will conclude with a wreath-laying ceremony at Soldiers Arch to honor veterans, with a reception afterwards.

Fundraiser for Wounded Soldier

In North Smithfield, a fundraiser is being held for Cpl. Kevin Dubois, a Marine from Lincoln who lost both legs in Afghanistan this past July. He was wounded by an improvised explosive device while setting up a defensive perimeter for a medical evacuation helicopter. The fundraiser is being put on by the Rhode Island National Guard at the Sayles Hill Rod and Gun Club. The event is a dynamite sandwich dinner, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $20, and there will be raffles and a cash bar.