Jewish War Veterans group hosts annual ceremony

Honoring those who gave their lives in service

WARWICK – To some people, Memorial Day means the beach, barbecues and the unofficial start of summer.  To many others, however, Memorial Day has another meaning – it is a time to honor those who gave of themselves for their country.

On an unseasonably cold May 26, approximately 200 people attended the annual Memorial Day observance at Lincoln Park Cemetery in Warwick, which was hosted by the Jewish War Veterans, Department of Rhode Island.

The ceremony was led by Jewish War Veterans, Department of Rhode Island State Commander Sanford Gorodetsky. Retired Marine Corps Col. Stephen M. McCartney who serves as Warwick’s police chief, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian,  Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs Director Dan Evangelista and Major General Kevin P. McBride, adjutant general for the State of Rhode Island, all offered comments.

In a moving presentation by Kim Ripoli, associate director, Rhode Island Office of Veterans Affairs, those present were reminded of the oft-repeated line that we honor those who sacrificed all of their tomorrows so that we can have today. The Rhode Island National Guard provided full military honors.

A moment of silence was held for all who have died in the service of their country and Temple Sinai’s Cantor Remmie Brown chanted the traditional memorial prayer for those Jewish veterans who had died in the past 12 months. The Mourners Kaddish followed.

First Lt. Rabbi Alan Kahan, chaplain for the 143rd airlift wing of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, offered the invocation and the closing prayer.

IRA FLEISHER (Fleisher@Dignitymemorial.com) is a senior vice commander of the JWV, Dep’t. of Rhode Island.