51st Annual Memorial Day Commemoration at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery

May 26, 2025

Press Release

Contact:

Parker Gavigan

parker.gavigan@vets.ri.gov

401.486.5646

51st Annual Memorial Day Commemoration at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Exeter - Governor Dan McKee and Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn presided over a solemn Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter today that included elected leaders, Veterans, and Gold Star Family members. Grace Rochelle, a Rogers High School senior and winner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Essay titled "Is America Today, Our Forefathers' Vision?" delivered the keynote remarks.

Today's participants included: 

• Governor Dan McKee
• Kasim Yarn, Director of RI Veterans Services
• James Bessel, Administrator of the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery
• Sen. Jack Reed
• Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
• Rep. Seth Magaziner
• Rep. Gabe Amo
• Lt. Gov Sabina Matos
• Secretary of State Gregg Amore
• General Treasurer James Diossa
• Sen. Peter Appollonio, Jr.
• Rep. Samuel Azzinaro
• Brigadier General Andrew Chevalier, The Adjutant General, RI National Guard
• Grace Rochelle, Voice of Democracy Essay winner, Rogers High School (Newport) senior, reading her essay "Is America Today, Our Forefathers' Vision?"
• 88th Army Band, RI National Guard
• Gold Star Family members

***Please feel free to use the following pictures in your coverage***