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11/11/2024
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State Leaders Honor the Service of Rhode Island’s Veterans
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 BRISTOL, RI — Today, Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro, House Health and Human Services Committee Chairwoman Susan R. Donovan, Senate Special Legislation & Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag, Governor Dan McKee, Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn, members of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation, and other state and local leaders honored the selfless service of Rhode Island’s veterans during a special ceremony at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol.
“Rhode Island is forever indebted to the brave men and women who have served our country selflessly and have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms and rights we have today,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Our veterans represent the best of Rhode Island, and we must commit ourselves to showing gratitude today, tomorrow, and every day. On behalf of our state, we thank our veterans, active-duty military, and guard members for their service and for showing us the true spirit of our country.”
Dozens of veterans attended the special ceremony outside of the Rhode Island Veterans Home, the state’s preeminent nursing and residential care facility for wartime veterans on Mount Hope Bay.
“Today, we pause and reflect to honor the sacrifices and service of our men and women who courageously defended our great nation,” said Kasim Yarn, Director of Veterans Services. “Veterans Day humbly reminds us that we must support our heroes every day, but also ensure our service members and their families receive high-quality health care and access to state benefits they rightfully deserve.”
As a special guest, Rhode Island student Seth Fontenault of Smithfield shared his 2024 Patriot’s Pen-winning essay with those in attendance. The Patriot’s Pen is a youth scholarship contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
More than 60,000 Veterans, active duty, guard, and reservists call Rhode Island home. Governor McKee and General Assembly members continue to prioritize the service of our veterans and their families.
In 2024, the Governor signed Rhode Island Gold Star Spouses Day into law, recognizing April 5th as a solemn day honoring the spouses of military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country. Visit vets.ri.gov for information about programs, benefits, and services for veterans and military families.
For more information, contact:
Emily Martineau, Deputy Director of Communications for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 323
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2466
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