By PAM SCHIFF

Under a glorious blue sky, over 100 people attended the 77th annual memorial services at The Memorial Wall of Honor located in Warwick’s Lincoln Park Cemetery.

"The Jewish War Veterans of the United States is the oldest organized service group in our country," said Ira Fleisher, Chairman of the Memorial Wall Committee which hosted the program.

The organization was established in 1896 by a group of Civil War veterans of the north and south and was chartered by an Act of Congress.

"Over the years, the Jewish War Veterans have worked with other veterans' groups at the state level and with the United States Congress to effect change in the laws that affect all veterans," Fleisher said.

Members from the Rhode Island National Guard posted the colors, with a moment of silence to follow.

Senior Rabbi from Providence’s Temple Beth-El, Sarah Mack, gave the Invocation.

"Here lie men who loved America because their ancestors generations ago helped in her founding. And, other who loved her with equal passion because they themselves or their own fathers escaped from oppression to her blessed shores. We are honored to remember the many brave men and women who have given their lives throughout the history of our great nation. And, those who make the ultimate sacrifice to protect us from harm," said Mack.

Individuals recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Cantor Judy Seplowin of Temple Beth-El leading the singing of the National Anthem.

Deputy Police Chief of Warwick Commander Mark Ullucci, Mayor of Warwick Frank Picozzi Representative Samuel Azzinaro from the House Veterans Affairs Committee and Major General Christopher Callahan all provided remarks.

Director of Veterans Affairs for the State of Rhode Island, Lieutenant Kasim Yarn gave the principal remarks and spoke of unity, peace and tolerance.

"It is humbling to be here on the most holiest of days. It was inspiring listening to the other speakers and their experiences and thoughts on Memorial Day," said Yarn.

Yarn went on to speak of the importance of May being National Mental Month and the support and gratitude to gold star families. (A Gold Star Family is the immediate family member(s) of a fallen service member who died while serving in a time of conflict.)

"Through the lens of a Gold Star Family member, every day is Memorial Day," he said.

There is no bigger blessing than those willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater cause," Yarn concluded.

Mack and Seplowin performed the unveiling of the newest names to the wall.

After this recent ceremony, the count on the wall was raised to over 3,000.

Yarn and Callahan -- alongside Gerald Sherman and Fred Reisner from the JWV -- laid wreaths.

The traditional playing “Taps” was performed by a member of Rhode Island National Guard.

The ceremony closed with remarks from Fleisher, retiring of colors by RING, the song “America the Beautiful” by Seplowin and a closing benediction from Mack.

For more information about the organization, visit www.JWV.ORG.