Memorial Day & TODAY at RI Veterans Cemetery

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to their country. The holiday was officially proclaimed in 1868 to honor Union and Confederate soldiers and was expanded after World War I to honor those who died in all wars. It became an official federal holiday in 1971, known as Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day. Today, Memorial Day honors over 1 million men and women who have died in military service since the Civil War began in 1861.

From The American Presidency Project, Proclamation 2889—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day (1950): “Since war is the world’s most terrible scourge, we should do all in our power to prevent its recurrence.

“It was the hope of mankind that with the cessation of hostilities of World War II the way would be open to founding a permanent peace. Instead, that war has left the world in a state of continued unrest. Accordingly, we feel the need of turning in humble suppliance to Almighty God for help and guidance.

“In recognition of this need, the Congress has fittingly provided, in a joint resolution which I approved on May 11, 1950, that Memorial Day, which has long been set aside for paying tribute to those who lost their lives in war, shall henceforth be dedicated also as a day for Nation-wide prayer for permanent peace. The Congress has also requested that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day in that manner.”

In Rhode Island, TODAY, RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Honor and Remember All Military Members Who Have Died While Serving in U.S. Forces

Today, Monday, May 30, 2022, at 1:00 P.M., Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services will host the State of Rhode Island’s Memorial Day Ceremony, commemorating the men and women who have died while in military service. The annual event, taking place at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, remembers those who gave their all in the service of America and in the service of freedom. We remember their sacrifice, their valor, and their grace. 

Participating:

Governor Dan McKee
Senator Jack Reed
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
Congressman Jim Langevin
Congressman David Cicilline
Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos
Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea
Attorney General Peter Neronha
Treasurer Seth Magaziner
Kasim Yarn, Director, Office of Veterans Services
Christopher Callahan, the Adjutant General and Commanding General of the R.I. National Guard

Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI

Statistics on the number of people who served and died in each of our nation’s wars: