A record number of Johnstonians, headed by Mayor Joseph Polisena, sent a strong statement Saturday that “the town will never – ever – forget those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
From the time Parks and Recreation Director Chris Correia delivered a warm welcome to when members of the of the Johnston High School Chorus sang the National Anthem to when RI National Guard Sgt. Anthony Andriole played a beautiful rendition of Taps, War Memorial Park was alive with special salute to veterans past and present during the town’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony.
“Welcome back after a two-year hiatus because COVID-19 forced cancellation of this ceremony the past two years,” said Correia. “We thank you for coming as we honor our veterans from all branches.”
Perhaps the morning’s highlight came when JPD Chief Joe Razza read the names of the 42 Johnston residents who lost their lives in World War II as Deputy Chief Mark Chief Vieira rang a brass bell in honor of each deceased service man or woman.
“Good morning and welcome as we recognize our heroes on this upcoming Memorial Day,” Polisena began. “Memorial Day is a time when we recognize those men and women who served and who are currently keeping us safe. I would hope that we just don’t think of Memorial Day as a day off!”
Polisena, who said how proud he is that his late father served during Korean War, added: “We should always think of our veterans — past and present — who have served all of us and our great country every day.”
The Mayor also reinforced his belief saying, “We need to always keep in mind why we live in the best country on this earth and we can say and do and be what we want without any federal, state and local government interference.”
Likewise, Polisena continued his keynote address saying: “Our world is a very frightening place but what keeps us strong is our enemies know that all of the branches of our military are the best in the world and would deliver a crushing defeat to our enemies if (needed) and the men and women would make the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.”
He also emphasized: “For it is fear form our enemies that keeps out country strong. Our military are always ready and willing to defend our country no matter where or when.”
The Mayor, before concluding wanted it known “I am very concerned with the cancel cultures of this state and country. I’m sure this day will be in their sights to abolish; the progressive left wants all special days wiped off the books. We must ensure that that never happens. Some of the politicians in Washington hate this country and despise what our veterans stand for FREEDOM!”
There were other moving moments like when JPD Major Thomas Dolan, U.S. Army Retired, read verses of Flanders Field and when everyone recited in unison the Pledge of Allegiance that echoed calming throughout the pristine park.
Likewise, two members of the Kelley-Gazzerro VFW Post 2812 had the privilege of placing a wreath on a flagpole amid a special silence and JHS Chorus members Sam Cambranes and Destinee Costa sang God Bless America and America the Beautiful respectively.
In keeping with tradition the JPD Color Guard – Major Dolan, Lt. Steve Guilmette, Detective Brian Loffredi and Patrolman Chuck Psilopoulos posted the colors throughout the ceremony and were joined by the RI Army National Guard color guard of 1st Sgt. Steven Cornell, SFC Paula Quinones, Sgt. Fred McLin and Sgt. Eder Ribeiro.
The list of Johnstonians, who as the program read “made the supreme sacrifice,” includes:
World War II-Army: Joseph DiDonato, Anthony Russo, Anthony Kwiatkowski, Anthony Riccitelli, Michael Macera, William R. Mills, Harry C. Arnold, Anthony Ciarlo, William R. Thorpe, Jr., Joseph R. Searle, George G. Harrington, Emery O. Picotte, James Paterson, Jr., Alfred Chartier, Vincent Mongone, Rocco Stanish, William F. Hickey, Raymond DePetrillo, John A. Paglio, Carlo A. Coletti, Walter Charbonneau, Leo S. Arguien, Raymond J. Herther and Walter J. Hagerty.
World War II-Navy: Robert Moran, William B. Richardeson, Arthur LaPrade, Edwin Carlson, James F. Cavanaugh, Raymond B. Smith, Joseph Carrara, Jr., Raymond Draper, Alfred S. Ricci, George Spink and Bernard Pitocco.
World War II-Marines: Anthony Altieri. Korea-Army: Anthony Mazzulla, John K. Burrows, Army. VIETNAM-Ronald E. Blake, Army; Alphonse Macchioni, Marines, Andrew J. Wang, Navy; and John F. Pulpitt, Army.
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