Rhode Island X

Practically on the Massachusetts border about 15 miles north of Providence is Woonsocket, Rhode island.

This really nice memorial to those lost in Vietnam is made of polished black granite greatly resembling The Wall in DC.

Dedicated on November 11th, 1984 it lists their names, all 17 from the area.

A unique piece of this story is retold upon the wall. The school children of the Woonsocket public and Catholic systems raised the money so that these might be remembered always.

IN MAY OF 1984, DURING THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
THE STUDENTS FROM THE ELEMENTARY AND JR. HIGH SCHOOLS
OF THE CITY OF WOONSOCKET AND CATHOLIC REGIONAL
SCHOOL SYSTEMS UNITED TO RAISE FUNDS
IN A PROJECT ENTITLED “WE REMEMBER”
TO PAY TRIBUTE AND ASSURE AN EVERLASTING MEMORIAL
TO THOSE WHO SERVED WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR
IN AMERICA’S LONGEST AND MOST UNPOPULAR WAR. 

The question of which is America's longest war depends from when you  are marking the war. The most common time frame of Vietnam is from '59 to '75, 14 years. But, if you count from when the first American solder was actually killed, 1956, you get a completely different count. So, I guess the debate will continue, perhaps far in to our future. It matters not to these honored here.

The memorial may be found on the corner of Worrall Street and Clinton Street near the post office and police station.

Next time, on July 4th, I'll have a special post, so take moment out from the celebrations, BBQ's, and fireworks to check it out.

To see additional memorials from Rhode Island, or any other state, click on the state name on the left side of this page.