Memorial Day 2024: Memorials and events around Newport County honor those who gave all
Many Rhode Island communities, including those across Newport County, honor the men and women who gave their lives for their county with parades and ceremonies on Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 27.
Since Memorial Day honors those who died in service, flags should be flown at half-staff.
All weekend
Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. (There will be a special ceremony for Rhode Island’s Gold Star Families to place the boots representing their fallen loved ones at 6:30 p.m. on May 24th)
Where: Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport.
What to know: “This Memorial is a living tribute honoring the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform make in support of our nation. The boots featured in this Memorial each represent a U.S. service member killed in the more than two decades of conflict known as the Global War on Terror," said Dee DeQuattro, founder.
The memorial includes more than 7,000 boots adorned with flags and name placards representing the lives of the U.S. service members killed in action after 9/11 in the Global War on Terror. The exhibition has been seen by tens of thousands of visitors since its inception. Service members are alphabetized by state, allowing individuals to locate friends, comrades, and loved ones.
Monday
The Strewing of Flowers, Newport
When: 10 a.m.
Where: VFW Post 406 at Storer Park, Washington Street, Newport.
What to know: The Strewing of Flowers is a traditional maritime ceremony to remember and honor those lost at sea in service to our nation. Veterans, active military, the public, and their families are invited to join the post, reflect on the peril experienced by those serving at sea and those lost due to conflict and accident. As part of the ceremony, attendees will be asked to participate by casting flowers into Newport Harbor to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
VFW Post 406 & American Legion Post 7 Memorial Day Ceremony at Newport City Hall
When: Noon
Where: Newport City Hall
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What to know: The gathering is held at City Hall because its lawn hosts monuments remembering those who lost their lives during World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
VFW Post 5390 ceremony and reception
When: 11 a.m.
Where: 822 Anthony Road, Portsmouth
What to know: An indoor ceremony with a guest speaker will be held first followed by an outdoor flag raising. A reception will follow with finger foods hosted by VFW Post 5390 Auxilliary. The Canteen will open at noon for refreshments.
Climb the Miantonomi Park Tower
When: 12:30 to 3 p.m.
Where: Miantonomi Park, Newport
What to know: This event, which is being organized by the City, Miantonomi Park Commission and the Aquidneck Land Trust, aims to recognize the historical significance of the tower as a memorial to the Veterans of World War I.
Completed in 1929; the 100-foot stone tower was designed by William Kendall of the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and stands atop one of the highest points in Newport.
Adults and families are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The interior stone steps, lead to a narrow metal staircase that ascends to the top observation deck.
Located on the highest point in Newport, views of Providence and Block Island are common on clear days.
Newport Daily News reports contributed to this listing.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Memorial Day events 2024: Ceremonies around Newport County
