It was an image, Amore said in his remarks on Monday at Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, that he’d want “the young people to remember.”
Seeing World War II veterans in wheelchairs hoisting themselves up to watch as a wreath was laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was something Amore said he would never forget.
BRISTOL, R.I. — It was only weeks before Veterans Day when Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore helped escort 54 veterans to Washington, D.C., as part of the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Honor Flight .
On Veterans Day, Amore stood shoulder to shoulder with other elected officials while the national anthem began, watching as another man gripped both sides of his wheelchair to stand for his country’s song.
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Luann Groves (left) who worked as a CNA at the Rhode Island Veterans Home for 36 years before she retired, greeted 100-year-old World War II Veteran Louis Dolce Sr. as he made his way out to the state’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
“You can judge a society, a nation, a state by how we take care of those who have borne the battle,” said Amore, a former history teacher, as he spoke about President Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address in 1864 that challenged the country to take care of those who fought for the nation.
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The state’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday was the last of this year’s official memorials that honored those who previously served the country, concluding a culmination of memorials and parades around the state where flags were raised, wreaths were laid, and sacrifices were recognized.
US Senator Jack Reed (right), a Rhode Island Democrat, spoke with 105-year-old World War II veteran Albert DeSilva at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
“Rhode Islanders in particular have always answered the call to serve,” said US Senator Jack Reed, a West Point graduate. “And no one serves alone.”
Dozens of veterans were brought out in their wheelchairs to join family members under the 110-acre complex’s flagpoles. Others arrived from elsewhere across the state, bringing along service dogs to sit at their feet. Young children held hands of grandparents, while one young boy swung his legs to the tune of the Armed Forces Medley by the Governor’s Own 88th Army Band while sitting in his chair.
Members of the Governor’s Own 88th Army Band warmed up before the start of the state’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff
This year, Veterans Day was less than a week after Election Day, where America decided to have former president Donald Trump return to the White House. During their remarks on Monday, the all-male slate of speakers advised the nation to honor veterans by building on the values they stood to protect, including democracy, respect for others, and elections.
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“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” said US Congressman Seth Magaziner, quoting former president Ronald Reagan. “We don’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed onto them to do the same.”
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com. Follow her @alexagagosz and on Instagram @AlexaGagosz.