CRANSTON, R.I. — Photo’s from today’s Veterans Day parade in Cranston. The parade started on Doric Avenue, continued along Park Avenue to Pontiac Avenue, and ended in Rolfe Square, where a ceremony was held at the Cannon Memorial.
Rhode Island has a proud and enduring tradition of military service that dates back to the colonial era. The state was among the first to take action in defense of American independence, forming its own militia before the Declaration of Independence was even signed. The Rhode Island Regiment, led by General James Mitchell Varnum during the Revolutionary War, was one of the first integrated military units in American history, including both Black and Native American soldiers.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Rhode Islanders continued to serve with distinction in every major conflict, from the Civil War to both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the post-9/11 wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Naval Station Newport became a cornerstone of military life in the state, providing critical training and research for the U.S. Navy. Many Rhode Islanders, both men and women, built lifelong careers in military service through the Navy, National Guard, and Reserve units based here.
In the decades following each war, Rhode Island worked to honor its veterans through education benefits, healthcare programs, and community recognition. The opening of the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, which dates back to the late 19th century, and its modern replacement in 2017, reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to care for those who served. Memorials across the state, including the World War II Memorial in Providence and the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, stand as daily reminders of their sacrifice.
Today, Rhode Island’s veteran community continues to play a vital role in civic life, supported by organizations such as the Office of Veterans Services and countless local nonprofits. From education and job training to health resources and housing support, these programs help ensure that Rhode Island’s veterans receive the respect, care, and opportunities they have earned through their service.
The History of the Rhode Island Veterans Home:
1891: The original Rhode Island Soldiers Home opens on the same site in Bristol.
1955: A new veterans home is built to replace the original facility.
1969, 1976, 1989: Additions are made to the 1955 building.
2012: Rhode Island voters approve a $94 million bond for a new facility.
2015: Construction begins on the new, 208-bed facility.
2017: The new Rhode Island Veterans Home opens its doors, designed to resemble a “neighborhood” with 12 single-story houses, each with 16 residents. The project was financed with a combined state and federal investment of $121 million.
2017: The historic water tower from the original 1890s site is relocated to mark the entrance of the new home.
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