It’s safe to say that the “Johnston Jewel” as Mayor Joseph Polisena calls War Memorial Park, will come alive in a unique way Saturday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m.
A total of eight Johnston-based agencies will be part of the 2018 Memorial Day Service that will be held on the Park’s famous outdoor concrete bandstand that the Mayor and a number of town officials hope will produce a record crowd.
“We are hoping to have the largest crowd in recent years,” said Vin Jackvony, a veteran staffer with Memorial Day Service’s presenting sponsors, the Johnston Parks and Recreation Department. “We’ll have a number of chairs set up directly in front of the bandstand an there’s plenty of parking, too.”
In keeping with tradition, Polisena will give the keynote address at the outset of the ceremony that promises to be filled with military units as well as the customary Memorial Day pomp and circumstance.
The entire ceremony that’s geared to honor the 42 Johnstonians killed in action in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, will be enhanced by members of the Johnston High School Music Department who will perform several significant numbers at the outset and close of the 2018 Memorial Day Service.
“Our students love being part of such an important and historical day,” said Ronald Lamoureux, who chairs the national award-winning JHS Music Department. “For some, the event also serves as a great learning experience.”
Jackvony – who has coordinated the Memorial Day Service for then JPRD in precious years – announced that the Town of Johnston is the day’s host with the JCCA (Johnston Community Center Association) serving as a co-host by providing refreshments following the always brief, yet-moving ceremony.
Two military-like units – the well-dressed and drilled Johnston Police Department Color Guard and a similar unit from the Kelley-Gazzerro-VFW Post 2812 – will also play major roles in Saturday’s ceremony.
Likewise, a unit from the Rhode Island National Guard and members of Operation Stand Down are also listed among the day’s participants.
“Personally, I’m looking forward to the ceremony,” Polisena said. “It’s always a special event; it’s a wonderful opportunity for all Johnston residents to bring their children as we honor those men and women who fought for our freedom.”
The Mayor also issued a reminder of sorts about the often-emotional bell ringing that will again honor the 42 men killed in action, and Polisena as well as people like JPD Chief Richard S. Tambuirni are encouraging Johnston residents to come out Saturday morning and urged everyone to never forget our heroes.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here