at WaterFire Providence-4 North Main St. Providence, RI
The WaterFire Salute to Veterans event is a collaborative, community-wide celebration, whose mission is to honor and recognize all United States veterans, active and reserve military personnel and families for their service, sacrifice, and contributions to this nation, and to organize, exhibit and highlight the wealth of veteran-oriented organizations and services available to them.
The WaterFire Salute to Veterans Opening Ceremonies will consist of two parts. The Opening Ceremonies the RI State House with a speaking led by local representatives and a keynote speaker
Starting before sunset 150 Veterans march from the State House steps to Waterplace Park Basin led by the Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drums. This procession is followed immediately by the Salute to Veterans Lighting Ceremony in Waterplace Basin with performances by military bands.
Typically the lighting ceremony is concluded with a Memorial Canoe Ceremony on the River. The Memorial Canoe ceremony honors and remembers our fallen heroes.
WaterFire Salute to Veterans Resource Fair and Special Events
From 3:00 – 10:00 the Veterans Resource Fair transforms Washington Street and Washington Street Bridge into an informational and educational center featuring organizations from across Rhode Island dedicated to providing services to veterans and their families.
From 3:00 – 9:00 pm there is typically a display of classic and current Military Vehicles on the College Street Bridge.
Sunset – 9:00 pm Memorial Tributes and Dedications in Memorial Park. Monuments will be lit in honor of all of our Veterans. Wreaths will be placed at the World War, WWII, and Korean War memorials. Starting at approximately 6:35 pm buglers will play taps throughout Memorial Park. Read more about the Memorial Tributes and Dedications in Memorial Park.
A 300 Torch Salute will kick-off the WaterFire Salute to Veterans Lighting Ceremony
Torchbearers light their torches during the lighting ceremony. Photo by Jen Bonin.
Each year veterans from Rhode Island and beyond are invited to participate in the ceremony. Sign up forms are posted each year in the months leading up to the event.
About: May 8th, 1945 is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.
World War II is one of the most tragic pages in the history of humanity. In many countries of the world, war-related observances are held every year to commemorate the Allied victory and honor the memory of the victims, soldiers and civilians alike. One of such observances is Victory in Europe Day, celebrated on May 8.
Victory in Europe Day, also known as V Day, VE Day or V-E Day, was established to commemorate the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender. The term, however, was coined as early as September 1944, in anticipation of the Allied victory. The defeat of Nazi Germany became evident on April 30, 1945, when Adolf Hitler and several of his followers committed suicide two days before the Battle of Berlin ended.
Hitler’s successor, Admiral Karl Dönitz, headed a new administration referred to as the Flensburg Government and authorized the surrender of Germany. The German Instrument of Surrender was signed in Reims, France on May 7. However, the Soviet Union had some objections concerning both the text of the document and the ceremony. Therefore, the final version of the Instrument was signed in Berlin, Germany on May 8.
The military surrender act came into effect at 23:01 p.m. Central European Time. In the Soviet Union, it was already past midnight, therefore most countries celebrate Victory in Europe Day on May 8, but the majority of the ex-Soviet republics celebrate Victory Day on May 9. Israel also observes V-E Day on May 9 because of a large number of immigrants from the former Soviet Union.
The defeat of Germany was celebrated throughout the Western world, from the Soviet Union to the United States. One of the most massive celebrations took place in the UK capital of London. More than a million people gathered in Trafalgar Square and up the Mall to Buckingham Palace, where the royal family and Winston Churchill greeted the cheering crowds from the balcony. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were allowed to celebrate incognito with the people.
In the United States, the Allied victory coincided with President Harry Truman’s 61st birthday. He dedicated it to the memory of Franklin D. Roosevelt, his predecessor, who had died on April 12, less then a month before the victory. Massive celebrations took place in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and especially in Times Square in New York.
Countries where Victory in Europe Day is a public holiday include the Czech Republic and Slovakia (where it is referred to as Liberation Day) as well as France and its overseas territories (French Guiana, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, New Caledonia, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna). Most other European countries celebrate their own Liberation Days, commemorating the end of Nazi occupation.
Although Victory in Europe Day was an important milestone, it didn’t mark the end of the war. The Japanese government refused to surrender, so the war continued in the Pacific theatre until Japan’s surrender in August 1945.
Victory in Europe Day marks May 8th 1945, on which day the second world war Allies formally accepted an unconditional surrender by the armed forces of Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich, after six years of the bloodiest conflict in human history. On April 30th 1945, Hitler had committed suicide during the Battle for Berlin. The surrender of Germany was authorized by his replacement, President of Germany, Karl Dönitz. The administration headed up by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg government. The act of military surrender was signed on May 7th 1945 in Reims, France, and May 8th 1945 in Berlin, Germany.
Who kept the faith and fought the fight; The glory theirs, the duty ours.
WALLACE BRUCE
Monday, May 30th, 2022.
Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, from the skies. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, may the soldier or sailor, God keep. On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep. Love, good night, must thou go, when the day, and the night need thee so? All is well. Speedeth all To their rest. Fades the light; And afar Goeth day, And the stars Shineth bright, Fare thee well; Day has gone, night is on. Thanks and praise, for our days, ‘Neath the sun, Neath the stars, ‘Neath the sky, As we go, this we know, God is nigh.
A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. A remembrance of our veterans. Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service.
“Never was so much owed by so many to so few”
Winston Churchill on 20 August 1940
Memorial Day History
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
Local Observances Claim To Be First Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their flowers on those graves, as well.
Today, cities in the North and the South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866. Both Macon and Columbus, Ga., claim the title, as well as Richmond, Va. The village of Boalsburg, Pa., claims it began there two years earlier. A stone in a Carbondale, Ill., cemetery carries the statement that the first Decoration Day ceremony took place there on April 29, 1866. Carbondale was the wartime home of Gen. Logan. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.
Official Birthplace Declared In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day. There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places were either informal, not community-wide or one-time events.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.
A flag-covered casket is taken to the burial site at the Arlington National Cemetery in March 2014. The cemetery has been filling up, despite expansions.
It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.
Some States Have Confederate Observances Many Southern states also have their own days for honoring the Confederate dead. Mississippi celebrates Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of April, Alabama on the fourth Monday of April, and Georgia on April 26. North and South Carolina observe it on May 10, Louisiana on June 3 and Tennessee calls that date Confederate Decoration Day. Texas celebrates Confederate Heroes Day January 19 and Virginia calls the last Monday in May Confederate Memorial Day.
Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in 1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was approximately the same size as those that attend today’s observance, about 5,000 people. Then, as now, small American flags were placed on each grave — a tradition followed at many national cemeteries today. In recent years, the custom has grown in many families to decorate the graves of all departed loved ones.
The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found in antiquity. The Athenian leader Pericles offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War over 24 centuries ago that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”
To ensure the sacrifices of America ’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
The month of May is set aside as Military Appreciation Month. It’s another chance to say thank you to all of our service members, past and present. America and her liberties exist because you fought, and continue to fight for them. Thank you for your service.
Blue Star Museums is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and museums across America to offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families. The 2022 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day (May 21) and ends on Labor Day (September 5).
Brakes To Go is offering a 10% discount off brake services for the entire month of May for those who are currently serving in the military, or have previously served. Book an appointment and show a valid verification of your military service: military ID card, VA benefits card, or a veterans ID card.
Through the Waves of Honor program, former military personnel and up to three guests may enjoy one complimentary admission to Busch Gardens in Virginia or Florida. Veterans can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off. These tickets are available online through May 15 and must be redeemed at the park by July 10, 2022.
All members of the military will receive free admission on Memorial Day. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family.
Active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard personnel, retired military and veterans receive complimentary admission once annually for themselves and up to three direct dependents on either Memorial Day weekend or Veterans Day weekend.
Magic Springs is saluting members of the military with free admission May 28 through June 12. Bring your military ID to any ticket window. Family members receive $36.99 admission when accompanied by a military member.
Veterans receive one complimentary single-day ticket plus three complimentary tickets for guests to use at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, and SeaWorld San Diego by July 10, 2022. Registration ends May 15, 2022. (The veteran must be present with their guests.)
Former military personnel may also enjoy 50% Off SeaWorld Orlando Single-Day Tickets (limit of six), All-Day Dining Deals (4 for $150) and a SeaWorld $20 T-Shirt (up to 33% off) to be purchased online during those dates.
Military personnel and veterans with ID receive free admission to Silverwood Theme Park on May 28, 29 and 30, 2022. Their immediate family members (spouse and children) also receive a special discounted rate when purchasing tickets at Silverwood’s front gate.
Active military, veterans, and their immediate family members (spouse and children) can purchase discounted tickets or Season Passes at the gate with their valid ID on Memorial Day.
Sun Splash Family WaterparkOn Memorial Day, May 30, active and retired military members with ID receive one free admission ticket.
Loyalty Day
Date: Sunday, May 1st, 2022 About: Loyalty Day kicks off our Nation’s month-long celebration of military appreciation. It is a day set aside for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States, and to reflect on the proud heritage of our American freedom.
Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW)
Date: Sunday, May 1th – Saturday, May 7th, 2022.
Celebrated annually during the first week of May since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) (external link) is time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees.
Throughout the country, mayors, governors, agency leaders, communities and public service organizations participate in PSRW by issuing proclamations; hosting award ceremonies and special tribut
e events; and delivering messages about the value of public service.
During this special week, you have an opportunity to share your pride in your public service. One way you can do that is by participating in NIH’s photo campaign for Public Service Recognition Week. Choose one of the following:
Take a photo with your completed Public Service Recognition Week template:
Date: Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 About: May 8th, 1945 is the day when Germans throughout Europe unconditionally surrendered to the Allies. This day marked the end of World War II in Europe.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Date: Friday, May 6th, 2022.
You don’t need a specific Military Spouse Appreciation Day to make sure you acknowledge the military spouse in your life. Service members know that their spouses are the ones who keep the home fires burning. And military spouses know that those around them also walking through military life are more than just friends and neighbors: They are family.
You are the service members, family, and friends of military spouses wh
o stay up-to-date and you know family is what keeps military life moving forward.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day is a day set aside for us to pause to recognize the military spouses around us who have the greatest impact on our lives and our military communities.
The Friday in May before Mother’s Day, this special day was first recognized by President
Ronald Reagan in 1984. The sitting president typically issues a proclamation in recognition of the holiday, while celebrations are held on and near U.S. military bases around the world.
Armed Forces Day
Date: Saturday, May 15, 2022 Celebrated the third Saturday in May every year. A single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. This day honors everyone serving in the U.S. Military branches; Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy. There is also Armed Forces Week which typically leads up to Armed Forces Day, although it is not an official observance, many activities are planned nonetheless during the week.
Memorial Day
Who kept the faith and fought the fight;
The glory theirs, the duty ours.
WALLACE BRUCE
Date: Monday, May 30th, 2022. A Federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May. About: A remembrance of our veterans. Commemorates the men and women who died while in military service.
National Moment of Remembrance
To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance.
The commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity” by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.
The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. As Moment of Remembrance founder Carmella LaSpada states: “It’s a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day.”
History of NMAM
In 1999 Senator John McCain introduced legislation to designate the month of May as National Military Appreciation Month. Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. Service Members during NMAM. These proclamations also urge the President to issue a proc The month of May is set aside as Military Appreciation Month. It’s another chance to say thank you to all of our service members, past and present. America and her liberties exist because you fought, and continue to fight for them.
Thank you for your service.
The Rhode Island Blue Star Moms is a military support group specially dedicated to supporting our Veterans, troops and assisting the mothers and families who have children who volunteered to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Operation Made … by those who serve. Encouraging entrepreneurship one veteran at a time.
My name is Nicole O’Brien, the creator and nomad behind Unique Pl8Z and now–Operation Made.
Back in 2011, I was on a mission to create a gift for someone special. The gift needed to reflect all the wonderful times we had spent laughing, dreaming, and traveling together. A handmade art piece that celebrated the uniqueness of our journey was my vision. I created a sign using license plates from states we had traveled to, and from that one gift, Unique Pl8z was born. Unique Pl8z is so much more than just license plate art. It’s a mission to handcraft custom meaningful gifts, and employ military veterans while we do it.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to encourage entrepreneurship in the military community. We help Veteran Owned and Military-Connected product-based companies grow their businesses by connecting them with freedom-loving consumers who are proud to support military makers and the movement to buy products Made in the U.S.A.
Unlike any other gift shop in the Country, we use 3 major shopping platforms to bring you quality merchandise made by those who have served.
Shop our store in Warwick, RI, shop online, and join us every Thursday night on Facebook as we spotlight select products and introduce you to the newest veteran-owned brands on the market.
SHOP SMALL * SHOP HANDMADE * SHOP VETERAN MADE *
Unique Pl8z started off in 2011 as hobby out of my home while stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan. It has endured several moves around the country (and world) and has grown into a full-time job that operates out of our manufacturing facility in Warwick, RI. The growth of Unique Pl8z has been a blessing and has provided me an opportunity to open up a gift shop in the front of our facility. The gift shop (Operation Made) is a way for me to pay it forward to the military community that has supported me over the last, almost, 10 years.
Operation Made –brings me to recall another journey, that of a military spouse! Operation Made brings to you quality, handcrafted products – made by those who serve! With a mission to empower and encourage the military community through entrepreneurship. Operation Made provides Veterans and their families the opportunity to share and sell their handcrafted home goods and accessories through a unique artisan boutique. Photography, Woodworking, furniture, home décor, fashion accessories, jewelry, clothing, pottery and much more can be found at Operation Made!
Operation Made … by those who serve. Encouraging entrepreneurship one veteran at a time.
Victory in Europe Day
