Proud to Honor Our Veterans
Thank you to everyone who joined the Pawtucket Veterans Council’s Veterans Day Remembrance Ceremony.
The event brought together veterans, families, city and state officials, and community members to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from John P. Gallo, U.S. Air Force Veteran and President of the Pawtucket Veterans Council, followed by an invocation and closing prayer from Chaplain Ed Gerrard of VFW Post 306.
The program also included the Pledge of Allegiance led by Joseph Shottek Jr., a historical reflection by Rodney Leighton, and moving musical performances by Amara Pina and Brandon Camara, including a stirring rendition of Taps.
The Pawtucket School District Marching Band and the Tolman High School JROTC Color Guard added patriotic spirit and pride to the morning’s observance.
As part of this year’s observance, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) presented a memorial exhibit inside City Hall.
The display includes a boot from OSDRI’s Boots on the Ground Heroes Memorial, honoring the life and service of Private First-Class Kyle J. Coutu.
The memorial will remain on display through November for residents and visitors to pay their respects.