Johnston plans service to commemorate Memorial Day

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It’s known as one of Johnston’s most important events of the year. It’s known for its mighty memorials as well as music. It’s known for its special speakers and speeches.

It’s the annual Memorial Day Service, held in conjunction with many different agencies inside Johnston War Memorial Park. The event, which is co-hosted by Mayor Joseph Polisena and the Johnston Parks and Recreation Department, will be held this Saturday, May 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

“We encourage everyone to turn out for this special salute to all our service personnel,” Vin Jackvony, program director for the JPRD, said earlier this week. “We’ll honor our many fallen heroes as well as those men and women who are serving in our armed forces today, protecting our freedom.”

Jackvony also said that “one of the most impressive parts of this ceremony will be the bell ringing to honor the 42 Johnston men killed in action in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.”

That ceremony, which includes a military official reading each and every name and another ringing the bell as each name is read, will be held on the grandstand that’s located adjacent to the famous wall where those deceased soldiers’ names are listed inside Johnston War Memorial Park.

Polisena will give the day’s keynote speech while color guards from the Rhode Island National Guard and Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 will also have a part in Saturday’s ceremony.

Likewise, the Johnston Police Department, headed by Chief Richard S. Tamburini, will also have a part in the program and, in keeping with tradition, Operation Stand Down-Rhode Island, the award-winning veterans support group that’s located at 1010 Hartford Ave., will also be part of the important event. The morning’s music, including the national anthem, will be provided by the Johnston High School Music Department that’s headed by Director Ron Lamoureux.

While other towns and cities in Rhode Island celebrate Memorial Day in many different ways, some with parades, Saturday’s ceremony is always impressive from start to finish.

“If people like pomp and circumstance, this ceremony has that and much, much more,” Richard J. DelFino III, a Johnston town councilman who represents District 1, said. “It’s a touching tribute but, most important, a chance to say thank you to the past and present members of our armed forces.”

Once the shotgun salutes have been sounded and the speeches completed, participants and attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments that will be provided and served by members of the Johnston Community Center Association.

For those interested in serving a loved one with a place on the Honor Wall inside Johnston War Memorial Park, Jackvony said that they may purchase a six-inch by 12-inch marble plaque for a one-time cost of $150. The program is available for any serviceman or -woman from the six branches of service, whether they are living or deceased, a veteran, active or reserve.

Anyone interested in purchasing a memorial plaque should contact the Johnston Recreation Department at (401) 272-3460.

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