Providence, RI – Last night city, state, and federal officials joined together on the third floor of City Hall to celebrate Providence’s veterans.
President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9), who is also Chairman of the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs, led the ceremony honoring Providence’s service members and their families.
“Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar; it is a sacred commitment to remember that our freedoms, safety, and enduring way of life were secured through the selfless service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Pro Tempore Pichardo. “We also recognize the military families whose quiet sacrifices and love bear an equal share in sustaining our nation’s defense.”
Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, and Providence City Council President Rachel Miller expressed their gratitude to America’s veterans.
Matos also discussed Operation Holiday Cheer, which is an annual care package initiative for Rhode Island service members who will be stationed away from home during the holidays.
To learn how to donate goods or volunteer for care package assembly, which will take place the weekend of November 21st, visit https://ltgov.ri.gov/ohc.
“The work that my office does with the military family and serving the veterans, for me, is one of the most important work that I do,” said Lt. Governor Matos. “And it is a way in which I am able to say thank you for their sacrifices and for everything that they have given to us.”
Honorees
The highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of citations to three distinguished veterans, former Providence City Councilor Judge Francis Darigan Jr., Father Robert L. Marciano, who delivered the evening’s benediction, and Rodney Soares.
Judge Darigan served as a member of the US Armed Forces at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., from 1965 to 1967. Following his discharge from active duty, Darigan served as a reserve officer in the US Army’s 76th division, retiring from military service in 1975 with the rank of captain.
Darigan served as a council member on the Providence City Council from 1971-1975, representing Ward 9. After his tenure on the City Council, Darigan acted as legal counsel to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Governor’s Office on Energy, and the Public Utilities Commission before being appointed as Associate Judge to the Rhode Island District Court in 1984.
In 1991, Darigan was appointed to the Superior Court of Rhode Island. He retired in 2012.
Fr. Marciano serves as the 7th Pastor of Saint Kevin Parish where he began his ministry on June 1, 2012.
Since 1992, Father has served as a Chaplain for the United States Air Force. From 2006 to 2010, he served at the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and as Chief of Chaplains for the Air National Guard rising to the rank of Colonel. On September 15, 2016, Fr. Bob retired as Chaplain for the Rhode Island National Guard.
Roderick Soares is the Commander of Lts. Armstrong/Gladding American Legion Post 69. Soares served for 28 years with the Air National Guard’s 143rd Airlift Wing, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Soares also spent 20 years as an officer in the Providence Police Department.
The members of Providence’s Special Commission on Veterans Affairs also received citations for their service. They are Kassim Yarn, Director, Designee from Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services; Anthony J. Alves, Sr., Deputy Director of the Department of Public Property; and Violeta Cruz Del Valle, Rhode Island Air National Guard (Ret).
Veterans Day Exhibit and Event
Outside the Council Chambers, a new exhibit celebrating veterans and veteran organizations of yesteryear features an original 48-star American flag that once flew proudly outside Providence City Hall’s City Council Chambers.
During World War II, nearly 96,000 Rhode Islanders answered their nation’s call to service, including more than 34,000 men and women from Providence. Approximately 2,560 Rhode Island service members lost their lives during that war.
The exhibit honors veterans from several wars. On display are over a hundred years’ worth of archival records, photos, tintypes, and even a doughboy helmet from World War I.
The exhibit will be on display until November 30th on the third floor of City Hall, which is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30. City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th, in recognition of Veterans Day.
Additionally, WaterFire Providence will hold a full lighting on Saturday, November 7, for the 14th Annual Salute to Veterans. The evening honors Rhode Island’s Veterans and active-duty service members from all branches of the military. The night’s festivities begin at 4:00 PM with a speaking program on the Basin Stage, featuring pipe and drum corps and military bands.
