Veterans honored at lighthouse ceremony

By Tessa Roy
Posted 11/15/16

The U.S. Coast Guard opened the Warwick Neck Lighthouse for a very special occasion last Thursday. Commander Michael R. Roschel and six Lieutenant Commanders of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mayor Scott Avedisian, Senator William Walaska,

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Veterans honored at lighthouse ceremony

Posted

The U.S. Coast Guard opened the Warwick Neck Lighthouse for a very special occasion last Thursday. Commander Michael R. Roschel and six Lieutenant Commanders of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mayor Scott Avedisian, Senator William Walaska, Representative Joseph Solomon, Council member Ed Ladouceur, R.I. Senator-elect Jeanine Calkin, Warwick School Department administrators and members of the City of Warwick’s Police and Fire departments along with Warwick Neck School students and their military family members all convened to celebrate Veterans Day. The veterans, officials and 185 students had picked a great time to celebrate; the sky was blue, it was warm, and boats were passing by as the crowd paid their respects.

“The Coast Guard has played an integral role in protecting our freedom for generations, and this remarkable structure has been a daily reminder of that to us all,” said Warwick Neck Improvement Association President Anne S. Gooding. “We are deeply honored to Commander Roschel and his command staff participate in this inaugural event.”

Lighthouse grounds that are usually closed to the public were opened for the morning ceremonies. The event was planned by the Warwick Neck Improvement Association as a means of honoring veterans while simultaneously educating children on about “sacrifices made to keep our nation free.” The association approached the school in the spring about putting on the event, and Warwick Neck Principal Patricia Cousineau, said she was happy to take part.

“I am so proud to have been asked to be a part of the Veteran’s Celebration at the Warwick Neck Lighthouse today. Working together with our community neighbors, we showed our children how important our Veterans are to each of us in our own special ways – through songs, poems and our own thoughts,” said Cousineau.

The third to sixth grade level students, some of whom were Boy and Girl Scouts, sang songs under the direction of chorale leader Kristy Procaccianti and read poems they had written for the occasion. Young student reporters could be seen holding clipboards and documenting the happenings. Mayor Avedisian said it was important that the event was led by these students.

“This student-led ceremony to honor our veterans is the perfect illustration of one generation honoring the generations that gone before us in service to our country,” said Mayor Avedisian.

Indeed, generations of veterans were in attendance – some students read their poems for their parents and grandparents who were at the event.

“It doesn’t just end with us thanking you for your service – as a country and as a state, we must reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling our promise to those who have served our country by ensuring that these brave men and women get the help, resources and support that they deserve,” said Rep. Solomon.

Councilman Ladouceur remarked that it was the 241st birthday of the United States Marine Corps and took the chance to wish his Marine “brothers and sisters” a happy birthday.

“It is because of all of our men and women that have served and are serving, that we are a free society. We are free to make choices, free to do something or do nothing,” he said. “It is because of those that served, are serving, those that have made so many sacrifices and those that made the ultimate sacrifice that we honor our military today and tomorrow.”

At the end of the ceremony, parents took a photo of the entire group of students from the top of the lighthouse. Cousineau joked that the students did so well she’d give them the next day off.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here