PORTSMOUTH — In honors of Veterans Day, the town said “thank you” to local residents who have served in the military in two separate ceremonies this week.
The Town Council Monday night proclaimed Nov. 9-15 as Lebanon/Grenada Veterans Appreciation Week in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth veterans who served during the Lebanon and Grenada war eras were honored in a ceremony held by the Town Council and Project Blue Star.
The proclamation included a 2015 Certificate of Appreciation Honor which featured the names of about local citizens who served. Who can read all of the names here.
“It’s always striking to me how many veterans we have around town,” said Council President Keith Hamilton, who on behalf of the town thanked about a dozen veterans who showed up in person to be be recognized Monday.
“We honor these brave local citizens who served our country during the war eras of 1982 through 1984 with courage, honor and valor,” the proclamation reads.
Two Portsmouth residents, Cpl. Stephen E, Spencer and Pfc. Thomas A. Julian, were among the nine Rhode Island Marines who died in the Beirut Barracks Bombings of 1983. In response, the United States sent nearly 2,000 troops to Grenada, a number which later swelled to 6,000. Nearly 20 of them were killed.
Mr. Hamilton thanked local veterans’ advocate Carolyn Evans-Carbery for making Monday’s ceremony possible. “She’s the one who does all this. It’s tireless work, tracking down all the veterans,” said Mr. Hamilton.
Wednesday’s ceremony
On Wednesday morning, American Legion Post 18, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18, VFW Post 5390 and its Auxiliaries hosted a Veterans Day Ceremony at Town Hall.
This year’s theme was “Blue Star Families” and the keynote speaker was Major Sgt. Lenny S. Vasquez, USMC, currently stationed at the Aviation Logistics Tactical Information Systems School in Newport.
Project Blue Star Coordinator Carolyn Evans-Carbery laid the wreath and Cub Scout Pack 50 posted the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The R.I. Patriot Guard Riders provided the flag line.
The master of ceremonies was Carlton Johnson, senior vice commander of VFW Post 5390. The ceremony also featured Rhonda Ziehl, president of R.I. Blue Star Moms, military support group.
“Taps” was played by Noah Rousseau of the Portsmouth High School Band.
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