RI Veterans: Did you know? 21.05.26 (Memorial Day, Vets Info, Local Events…) – John A. Cianci

by John A. Cianci, veterans writer

Q:  Every Memorial Day, I visit my Dad’s gravesite, a U.S. Army veteran,  at St. Ann’s, a private cemetery, in Providence. There is never a flag on his grave, although thousands of flags are displayed on other graves. What do I need to do to ensure that a flag is always placed by those flagging the cemetery on Memorial Day? Steve, Providence

A: Even if a veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA may provide certain memorial items free of charge, including a headstone, marker or medallion. Eligibility requirements are different for this benefit, but combat service is still not required

If you have a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers, normally a DD214, I recommend you apply to the VA for a FREE medallion by completing VA form 40-1330m and attaching the veteran’s DD214.

Once an application for a medallion is received and approved, VA will mail the medallion along with a kit that will allow the family or the staff of a private cemetery to affix the device to a headstone, grave marker, mausoleum or columbarium niche cover.

To apply for a medallion, fill out the Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery (VA Form 40-1330M).

» Get VA Form 40-1330M to download

Important: This benefit is only applicable if the grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker. In these instances, eligible Veterans are entitled to either a traditional Government-furnished headstone or marker, or the medallion, but not both. If the gravesite of two Veterans is marked with one privately purchased headstone, e.g., two spouses who have both served in the U.S. Military, two medallions can be requested and affixed to the privately purchased headstone if authorized by the local cemetery official.

An authorized applicant, as defined in 38 CFR 38.600 (a)(1), may submit the form to request a medallion. When requesting the MOH Medallion, check “OTHER” in block 11 and specify “MOH.”

Where to submit the request for a medallion?

By mail

Mail your claim and supporting documents to this address:

NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547

By fax

You can also fax your claim to 800-455-7143.

If you need help, please call us at 800-697-6947. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

Click Affixing Medallion for more information and how to affix the medallion.

According to the VA, within 45 days after applying, you will receive the medallion with a kit to install.

If you need assistance obtaining a copy of the discharge and/or completing the application, contact the Italian American War Veterans of the US Veteran Service Officer, John A. Cianci, at (401) 677-9838. All assistance provided is FREE.

___

Meaning of Coins Left At Veterans Gravestone

Did you know a coin left on a veteran’s gravestone is a message to the deceased veteran’s family that someone has visited their grave and paid their respects? Each type of coin left on the top of the headstone for the veteran has its own meaning. Here is what each denomination means:

Challenges Coin: Usually the size of a half-dollar, these tokens usually bear the emblem of the deceased’s military unit. These challenge coins are usually left there by the servicemembers brothers-in-arms; challenge coins are used to prove membership in an organization when challenged.

Penny means you visited the grave marker.

Nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together.

Dime is you served with the soldier; you leave a dime.

Quarter is very significant because it means that you were there when that soldier was killed.

The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire. However, it became popular in the United States during the Vietnam War. It is believed it was a way to show respect without getting into an uncomfortable political discussion about a war that was very controversial. Some Vietnam veterans would leave coins as a “down payment” to buy their fallen comrades a beer or play a hand of cards when they would finally be reunited.

According to the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services, as happens at most cemeteries, items are left on graves and graveside at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery (RIVMC), coins included. Coins are against the RIVMC Adornment Policy (attached), and this is standard policy across National and State Veteran Cemeteries. However, violating a policy instead of continuing tradition started far back in the Roman Empire doesn’t discourage veterans paying their respect to a brother or sister, exactly why when visiting national and state veterans cemetery sou see coins at veteran grave markers.

Now you know the meaning of the coins left behind.

___

The idea of Memorial Day — or “Decoration Day,” as it was initially called — began after the Civil War to honor Americans from both the North and South who lost their lives in this terrible struggle. Various dates in the months of April and May were used and multiple cities claimed to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, but it is generally accepted that the first major observance occurred at Arlington National Cemetery May 30, 1868.

For a while, this day remained an exclusive reminder of those who lost their lives in the Civil War, but after World War I, the day was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress and cemented its place on the calendar on the last Monday in May, the date we still use today.

For those who have served, Memorial Day is undoubtedly filled with mixed emotions, but for modern day Americans its true meaning seems to have gotten lost. I think it’s because the average citizen has become insulated from military service and the gravity this day holds.

The reality is, the day isn’t about barbecues, sales or even veterans or active-duty Soldiers — it is about the men and women buried across this nation in countless veteran and local cemeteries. They are not faceless; they are our friends, fathers, sons and daughters.

Memorial Day honors those who have perished in the service of our nation. It’s a solemn day of remembrance — of those that many of us were privileged to know and are no longer here with us. I also like to think of it as a celebration of their life. Having known some of these men, I think they would want the living not to mourn, but to live life to the fullest and to make the world a better place.

Those that we honor are not here because they died doing what their country asked of them. They were ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things. They dedicated their lives not only to conflict and death, but also to compassion and life. I saw this compassion and empathy on the battlefield, many times firsthand, and I can tell you America should be proud of these men and women.

Memorial Day may not be a happy day, but neither is it filled with remorse. Instead, it overflows with a roller coaster of emotions that range from the highs of thinking about the good times you had with the friends and fellow Soldiers you were privileged to know, to the lows of knowing that you will never experience the warmth of their friendship again.

I am not a wealthy man monetarily, but I am far richer than most for knowing so many men and women who have served their country well. I have seen them at their finest in the worst of times. Some of them perished in the discharge of their duties, but they will, in my mind, remain forever young and brave.

I feel I would have had a much emptier life had I not been given the gift of knowing these departed souls, their friendship and Soldierly camaraderie.

“At the same time, I feel deeply saddened for their Families, as well as the Army and nation who lost them so early. Their full potential will never be known. Sometimes — no, many times — not just on Memorial Day, I am grief-stricken with thoughts of them. I feel this grief is somewhat selfish because what I feel can be nothing compared to what their Families feel for a lifetime.

I share this only to put the meaning of Memorial Day in context and help others better understand why so many veterans have mixed emotions when one wishes us a happy Memorial Day.

This year, when you see a veteran in deep reflection, don’t wish them a happy Memorial Day. Give them a moment, give them some space, and most importantly, give them some understanding. Let them know you understand. Listen to the stories they tell of their friends that are here and departed.

As the noted English novelist Terry Pratchett said, “Do you not know that a man is not dead while his name is still spoken?” This quote aptly fits the stories told by a veteran of a friend no longer here. He is likely trying to keep his friend’s memory alive through the telling of his exploits and contributions. A hero lives forever in the minds of many.

On May 27 at 3 p.m. local time, take a moment to put the “Memorial” back in Memorial Day. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing and whoever you are with, stop and take two minutes to reflect and contemplate the meaning of this day.

Known as the Memorial Day Moment of Silence Act, it is likely one of the least known, but most noble gestures citizens can participate in to honor the nation’s fallen heroes. Enjoy your freedoms, but never forget they come at a price — all too often the loss of a human life. So, honor them on this and every Memorial Day.

___

Operation Standdown Rhode Island Events

Memorial Day Weekend May 22-25th

In 2016, Operation Stand Down RI launched the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial which now displays over 7,000 combat boots adorned with flags and placards. Each boot represents a U.S. service member killed in action post 9-11 in the Global War on Terror.

The placard attached to each boot displays the name and photo of the fallen along with biographical information, military branch, rank and circumstances of death. The Memorial is updated yearly to incorporate additional U.S. service members killed in the ongoing Global War on Terror.

The boots, each adorned with a name placard and flag are organized alphabetically and by state and U.S. territories. This layout enables individuals with a personal connection to easily find a specific fallen hero’s boot. Often, family, friends, and comrades can be seen quietly paying their respects, sometimes leaving mementos. Since its inception, thousands of visitors from across the U.S. have attended the Boots on the Ground for Heroes display, held on Memorial Day Weekend and other times throughout the year.

For its first three years, the memorial was situated at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Since 2019, it has been displayed at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, one of the country’s oldest military posts, where we continue to set it up annually.

In 2023, we also had the honor of displaying the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA, over Veterans Day Weekend. This year, we are again back at Fort Adams, continuing the tradition of honoring our heroes.

The hours are as follows:

Friday, May 22nd: 9AM – 7PM

Saturday, May 23rd: 9AM – 7PM

Sunday, May 24th: 9AM – 7PM

Monday, May 25th: 9AM – 6PM (Memorial Day)

Admission is free for all attendees.

–

5K Road race-May 23, 2026 – Sign up!

___

VA News

VA, non-profits team up to honor Veterans during ‘Memorial May’

The Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration is working throughout the month of May with non-profit organizations Carry The Load, Travis Manion Foundation and Victory for Veterans to pay homage to Veterans interred in VA’s 157 National Cemeteries through a series of events, volunteer opportunities and shared stories leading up to Memorial Day.

The National Cemetery Administration expects more than 70,000 volunteers to participate in memorial activities in more than 100 VA national cemeteries throughout Memorial May.

“I welcome everyone across the country to join us at our national cemeteries in honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives protecting our freedom and our way of life,” said VA Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown. “As we mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the sacrifices of these heroes remind us that liberty is never free and must be cherished and protected by every generation.”

This is the ninth consecutive year of collaboration with Carry the Load, fifth consecutive year with the Travis Manion Foundation and the third consecutive year with Victory for Veterans. Volunteers can learn more about events, remembering and honoring military service here: Volunteer Opportunities.

Carry The Load

Carry The Load volunteers will march in 75 locations across the country, including three VA national cemeteries (Tahoma, Los Angeles and Jefferson Barracks). CTL will also hold its signature May 24 Dallas Memorial March along the historic Katy Trail. Marchers carry signs, banners and American flags honoring fallen friends or family members. Those who want to participate should register in advance.

Travis Manion Foundation

This year’s Travis Manion Foundation’s The Honor Project will visit over 30 VA national cemeteries throughout Memorial Day weekend. Family and friends are invited to submit a Fallen Heroes request and a foundation volunteer will visit the gravesite, lay a hand-crafted commemorative token and pause for a moment of reflection. Find the list of participating cemeteries here.

Victory for Veterans

Volunteers with Victory for Veterans recognize Veterans by placing a flower on every Veteran’s grave at each VA cemetery they visit. Since 2021, the program has expanded operations to place flowers at 10 VA national cemeteries, two state Veterans cemeteries and one private cemetery. The group expects more than 400 volunteers this year and more than 27,000 flowers will be placed. Find the list of list of participating cemeteries here.

Veterans Legacy Memorial

VA encourages all Americans to use VA’s Veterans Legacy Memorial website to share memories and stories about Veterans who are no longer with us. VLM is the nation’s largest online memorial space dedicated to Veterans, with more than 10.5 million interactive pages where family, friends, and others can submit written tributes, photos, biographies, documents, and other information.

Over 5.75 million decedents, including 4.1 million Veterans from the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are interred in VA national cemeteries. NCA honors eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our Nation.

___

Rhode Island Veteran News

Environmental Health Registry Evaluation for Veterans

VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service.

The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service.

VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans.

The registry data helps VA understand and respond to these health problems more effectively.

You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries:

• Agent Orange Registry
• Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
• Burn Pits Exposure
• Gulf War Registry(includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn)
• Ionizing Radiation Registry
• Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program
• Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center
• Duty assignment  at Otis Air Force Base( Camp Edwards, MA)
• Duty assignment at Fort McClellan
• Duty assignment DMZ Korea
• Duty assignment included working on runways
• Duty assignment Quonset/Davisville RI
• Served on a Navy ship and exposed to asbestos ( click, see if your ship is listed)
• Duty assignment as a mechanic and other occupational hazards(CARC Paint, Fuels, Degreaser)

On the VA website , a veteran can locate the point of contact by the state in which the veteran is enrolled in the VA Health Care system and request a FREE assessment.

Rhode Island

Providence VA Medical Center  830 Chalkstone Avenue Providence, RI 02908

Tonya Gill (401) 273-7100 ext. 15862 [email protected]

___

More information on Military Exposures & Your Health

Military Environmental Exposure Assessments

A Military Environmental Exposure Assessment (MEEA) is a clinical evaluation for Veterans concerned about military environmental exposures. If you’re enrolled in VA health care and have had toxic exposure screening, you are eligible for a MEEA.

How It Works:

Expert Evaluation: A specially trained VA clinician will review your exposure history and address any concerns.

Documentation: Your exposure history will be recorded in your electronic health record.

Follow-Up: You’ll receive medical guidance and follow-up recommendations via email or letter.

Scheduling a MEEA:

Contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator or the VET-HOME program.

No referral is needed, though your VA care team may recommend one.

Choose between in-person (may have limited times and copay) or telehealth (free and widely available).

.

Evaluation Pathways for Military Environmental Exposures

VA provides multiple ways to evaluate and address your military environmental exposures:

Toxic Exposure Screening (TES):

Available every 5 years for Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Takes about 5-10 minutes with a health care provider.

Starts a conversation about your exposures and connects you to appropriate resources.

Military Environmental Exposure Assessment (MEEA):

In-depth clinical evaluation to follow up on concerns identified during a TES.

Conducted by VA clinicians with specialized training.

Choose between in-person or telehealth appointments.

Environmental Health Registry Evaluation:

Free, voluntary medical assessments for Veterans exposed to environmental hazards during service.

Available to Veterans with specific service dates and locations.

Includes specific registries such as the Gulf War Registry and Ionizing Radiation Registry.

Helps VA understand and care for similar Veterans as a group.

Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P):

Assesses disabilities and determines eligibility for disability compensation.

Evaluates whether claimed medical conditions are connected to military service.

Conducted by VA medical professionals or private contractors.

___

Research Findings: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Gulf War Illness, and Early Menopause

In a study of Gulf War Era women Veterans, VA researchers found that 1990-1991 Gulf War Era women Veterans with PTSD or Gulf War Illness (GWI) were more likely to experience early menopause. The Gulf War Era Cohort Study, which followed nearly 700 women from the 1990-1991 Gulf War in 1995 and again in 2012, observed a higher prevalence of early menopause among those meeting criteria for PTSD or GWI in 1995 compared to those without.

Key Findings:

PTSD in 1995: Prevalence of early menopause was 25.3%, compared to 12.3% without PTSD.

GWI in 1995: Prevalence of early menopause was 19.2%, compared to 12.3% without GWI.

Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to health risks like premature mortality, poor bone health, and cardiovascular disease. If you are a 1990-1991 Gulf War Era woman Veteran who has experienced early menopause, discuss potential health impacts with your provider.

For more information, visit: PubMed Study.

___

Local Events