Graniteville World War II Veterans Foundation celebrates 16th anniversary at Victory Day event

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Graniteville veterans will never be forgotten.

That message rang loud and clear Saturday morning when the Graniteville World War II Veterans Foundation held its 16th anniversary Victory Day celebration at Monument Park on Putnam Pike in Johnston.

Although there were several impressive speakers, perhaps Laura Charnley Panicucci said it best while noting: “It’s incredible to think that 186 men and women from this tiny village of Graniteville served our country in World War II.”

Unfortunately, there aren’t enough records to officially document the actual list of who is still living.

“As far as we know, six members from that list are still living,”

Panicucci said.

During a special part of the brief but emotional ceremony, Charnley Panicucci read the names of Graniteville World War II veterans who were killed in action. They are Ralph “June” Bridges, John K. Burrows, Walter Charbonneau, Alfred A. Chartier, Raymond Draper, George Harington Jr., William Hickey, Raymond J. Herther Jr., James Paterson, Joseph Roy Searle, and William Thorpe Jr.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony was held under a large white canopy tent that protected attendees from the day’s scorching sun, and was filled with pomp and circumstances from start to finish.

Tony Carlino, who has long been active in the Graniteville World War II Veterans Foundation, served as the master of ceremonies, while the Rev. David Butera delivered the invocation and closing memorial prayer.

There was also the Pledge of Allegiance, playing of the national anthem by the musical duo of trumpeter Tony Rotondo and accordionist Al Maranuacci, and special speakers Marie Carlino-Butera and John Panicucci.

There was representation from various branches of the United States armed services, including Julio Rotondo, 96, who served in the U.S. Army, and Luke Green, who served in the Army’s 43rd Signal Corps.

The day’s audience also included two men, George Caldwell and Albert Darby, who proudly displayed their Korean War veterans’ hats.

It was Caldwell and Darby, attendees learned, who raised the money needed to have the Korean War Veterans Monument erected alongside the huge World War I and World War II monuments that also feature a salute to Vietnam War veterans.

Five members of the Rhode Island National Guard, headed by 1st Sgt. Tony Abatecola, presented the colors.

Abatecola’s contingent included Staff Sgt. Chris Kirtlink, Sgt. Ryan Hetu, and Spcs. Patrick Borges and Edward Borges.

Abatecola played taps, and Carlino at conclusion of the ceremony thanked people for coming. 1

MONUMENT MEN:

U.S. Army veteran Luke Green chats with George Caldwell, center, and Albert Darby, right. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine)

2

MIGHTY MEMORIAL:

This is the Korean War monument that stands beside World War I and World War II memorials in Monument Park on Putnam Pike in Johnston. 3

COLORFUL CREATION:

The Graniteville World War II Veterans Foundation decorated Monument Park on Putnam Pike with baskets featuring miniature American flags for last Saturday’s Victory Day event. 4

MANY MEMORIES:

These are the special monuments located in Johnston off Putnam Pike. 5

COLOR GUARD:

These five members of the Rhode Island National Guard added class and color to the Graniteville WW II Veterans Foundation Victory Day celebration. 6

AGELESS ATTENDEE:

Julio Rotondo, seated left second row, 96, who served in the U.S. Army, was among the many veterans and their friends at last Saturday’s event. 7

MUSIC MEN:

Trumpeter Tom Rotondo and accordionist Al Maranuaccu provided music during the gathering. 8

SPECIAL SALUTE:

Rhode Island National Guard 1st Sgt. Tony Abatecola played taps at the conclusion of Saturday’s event.

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