Legislators to join Ponaganset students for veterans event

11/18/2015

News

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Thomas Winfield (D-Dist. 53, Smithfield, Glocester), Rep. Cale P. Keable (D-Dist. 47, Burrillville, Glocester) and Rep. Michael Chippendale (R-Dist. 40, Foster, Glocester, Coventry) will take part in an event at Ponaganset Middle School Friday to honor veterans of all military branches. Local veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and Operation Enduring Freedom will be present.

The event, scheduled Friday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ponaganset Middle School, 7 Rustic Hill Road, Glocester, in the school’s auditeria, marks the culmination of an educational program for Ponaganset eighth graders about respect and appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans. The educational program is connected to Wreaths Across America, an organization that places 5,000 wreaths on graves at Arlington National Cemetery every year.

The event will include a Wreaths Across America truck with ceremonial wreaths, a law enforcement caravan and Patriot Guard Riders, group of veterans who ride escort on motorcycles. The ceremony will include special recognition of local veterans, the Ponaganset Middle School Band performing a newly arranged piece to recognize all branches of the military, a choir performance and student testimonials. There will be 2,000 American flags posted outside the school for the event. The school will hold an additional ceremony next month when the convoy of wreaths heading to Arlington National Cemetery makes a stop there and picks up wreaths made by students.

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For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923

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