Veterans Day celebrated across Rhode Island

BRISTOL, R.I. (WLNE) — Veterans, their families, and state and local leaders celebrated Veterans Day across the state of Rhode Island on Tuesday.

In Bristol, the Rhode Island Veterans Home held the State of Rhode Island Official Veterans Day Celebration.

Governor Dan McKee spoke at the ceremony Tuesday afternoon, thanking the 60,000 Rhode Island veterans who bravely fought for our country.

He also remembered his father, who was a World War II veteran.

“Today is a moment to pause and think of the veterans in our lives, and those who are no longer with us,” McKee said. “As I look in front of me, look at these men and women who have given so much to our country in so many ways, I think of my dad, and I think we all have someone in our family that we think of today.”

The governor also announced his administration will make sure there will be more beds available at the veterans home, saying it’ll be a priority in his next budget.

East Providence held its Annual Veterans Day Ceremony Tuesday morning at the Garden of Flags Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park .

Mayor DaSilva, Governor McKee, and other local officials honored local veterans, specifically Corporal Avelino “Chappy” Rose, who died in September at the age of 101.

“His life reminds us that the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism extends far beyond the battlefield. It lives on in those who continue to serve their nation by building stronger, more vibrant communities right here at home,” Chappy’s daughter, Lisa Rose Gordon said. “We honor Chappy’s memory and the legacy of all those who have fallen by striving to live with the same courage, humility, and love for our country and our neighbors.”

Parades were also held in North Kingstown and South Kingstown.