Symbolic Ceremony Marks Progress at New Veterans Home in Bristol

By: News Staff

BRISTOL, R.I. – The new veterans home under construction in Bristol is almost finished.

To mark the occasion, state and federal officials observed a symbolic cornerstone laying ceremony, performed by the Freemasons, on Friday.

In the ceremony, each mason presented a particular tool and applied it to the cornerstone to symbolically certify the work done by the builders.

Governor Raimondo spoke at the ceremony along with other state officials.

As part of his first visit to Rhode Island, the US Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Dr. David Shulkin talked about how important this project is for those who have served our country.

Shulkin says, "This building, which I’ve had a chance to see, is truly magnificent and really is setting a standard for the way that we should be caring for our veterans."

Dr. Shulkin was also presented with the Rhode Island flag to mark his first visit to the state.

The new 110-acre complex will open in the fall and will house and provide care for more than 200 veterans.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017