Victory Day: Italian American War Veterans 2-Day Celebration, Grand Opening of Rhode Island Veteran & First Responder Resource Center

Italian American War Veterans Host Two-Day Victory Day Celebration & Official Grand Opening of Rhode Island’s First Veteran & First Responder Resource Center

The Italian American War Veterans of the US (ITAM) is hosting a two-day series of community celebrations, family activities, historical exhibits, and military honors on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026. The festivities will take place at the new Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, located at 1950 Bronco Highway in Burrillville, culminating in the official grand opening of Rhode Island’s first dedicated resource center serving veterans and first responders.

As detailed in a recent RINewsToday column by veterans advocate and writer John A. Cianci (“RI Veterans Voice: 06.08.26 – RI recognizes VICTORY DAY, Local Events, Resources”), Rhode Island remains the only state in the nation that continues to observe Victory Day as a formal state holiday. With fewer than 300 WWII veterans remaining in the state, this weekend’s events serve as a poignant, urgent opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of the “Greatest Generation” and their families.

Saturday, August 8: Rhode Island’s First “It’s Gravy… Not Sauce” Competition (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

The weekend kicks off on Saturday with Rhode Island’s first and only “It’s Gravy… Not Sauce” Competition from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

• The Challenge: Attendees will judge the best gravy by dunking fresh Italian bread into the entries or sampling the gravy over pasta. Awards will be presented for the top gravy in Rhode Island.
• Family Fun: Saturday’s events include a bounce house, cornhole, Connect 4, and various children’s activities.
• Supporting a Vital Cause: All proceeds from the competition directly benefit the Leave No Veteran Alone program. Run by ITAM, the program visits over 10 local nursing homes and long-term care facilities to provide essential camaraderie to veterans living in care settings.

Sunday, August 9: Victory Day Fun Day, WWII Artifact Exhibits, & Grand Opening Celebration

Victory Day Fun Day & Historic WWII Display (11:30 AM – 3:00 PM)

On Sunday, ITAM invites the public to a Victory Day Fun Day offering FREE hot dogs and ice cream for all attendees, alongside outdoor games, a bounce house, cornhole, and Connect 4.

Throughout the day, the resource center will open its doors for public viewing of a rare collection of historic WWII artifacts curated and displayed by local veterans. Featured displays include:

• An actual WWII training bomb.
• The historic flag flown on the USS Card, the famous escort carrier that became the first ship to sink a German submarine.
• Rotor wing section components from a military Huey helicopter.
• Numerous additional historical artifacts, wartime memorabilia, and displays capturing Rhode Island’s rich military heritage.

Official Grand Opening & Live Performance by JonStone (4:00 PM)

Following the family fun day, ITAM will host the official Grand Opening Ceremony for the state’s first resource center dedicated exclusively to veterans and first responders.

The ceremony begins at 4:00 PM with a special musical performance by rising country-pop artist and Rhode Island native Carly Johnston, professionally known as JonStone.

• Known for her powerful, soulful vocals and heartfelt storytelling, JonStone has established deep ties with the local veteran community through her advocacy with the VFW.
• Blending country, pop, rock, soul, and blues, her original music—including popular tracks like Bartender and her patriotic anthem USA—celebrates hard work, hometown pride, and those who serve others.
• Ahead of her upcoming move to Nashville, JonStone will sing the Star-Spangled Banner and perform for her home state audience. Her music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all major streaming platforms.

FREE WWII Veteran & Family Honor Dinner

Immediately following the national anthem, the Italian American War Veterans will host a FREE dinner honoring all World War II veterans and their families, as well as the families of deceased WWII veterans.

• Honoring Living Legends: Living World War II veterans—including 104-year-old WWII veteran Caster Salemi—will be honored guests at the dinner.

• Preserving WWII Legacies: Dedicated tables will be set aside for WWII veterans and their families. Local families are encouraged to attend, share stories, and bring photos or memorabilia of their WWII heroes to help document their legacies alongside the center’s exhibits.

Event Details & Contact Information

• Location: Landing Zone Bronco Veteran & First Responder Resource Center, 1950 Bronco Highway, Burrillville, RI

• RSVP & Info: To reserve a table for WWII veterans or families, or for general inquiries, call John Cianci at (401) 677-9838 or email [email protected].

All community members, military families, and supporters are invited to celebrate Victory Day, explore these rare historic artifacts, honor our nation’s WWII generation, and welcome this vital resource center to Rhode Island.