News Summary
In Newport, Rhode Island, community leaders and residents are honoring Memorial Day with various events to remember fallen service members. A prominent feature is the ‘Boots on the Ground for Heroes’ memorial at Fort Adams, showcasing 7,000 boots representing U.S. service members who died post-9/11. This year’s observance includes ceremonies and parades across the region, urging community participation in honoring the sacrifices made by those in the military.
Newport, Rhode Island – Community leaders and residents in southern New England are commemorating Memorial Day with a series of events dedicated to honoring service members who have lost their lives in defense of the country. Governor Dan McKee has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, encouraging all citizens to participate in this solemn gesture of remembrance.
One of the standout features of this year’s Memorial Day observance is the “Boots on the Ground for Heroes” memorial situated at Fort Adams in Newport. This impactful display features 7,000 boots, each one symbolizing a U.S. service member who died after the September 11 attacks. Each boot is accompanied by a name placard and an American flag, allowing families, friends, and veterans to pay their respects to those who have sacrificed their lives. The memorial is open to the public on Memorial Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning service members who have died in the course of their military duties. Numerous businesses and organizations including the United States Postal Service (USPS) and UPS/FedEx will remain closed for the day, while the stock market will also be shut down, resuming operations on Tuesday, May 27.
Various events are scheduled throughout southern New England, offering opportunities for the community to come together in remembrance. Beginning at 9 a.m., the “Boots on the Ground for Heroes” memorial opens, followed by a special ceremony for Rhode Island’s Gold Star Families at 6:30 p.m. at Fort Adams. Additionally, other gatherings include wreath-laying ceremonies starting at the VFW on State Road in Westport at 9 a.m., a memorial ceremony at Veterans’ Memorial Green in Swansea at 10 a.m., and the Seekonk Speedway’s Memorial Day Thrill Show at 1 p.m.. The day will also see the Charlestown Memorial Day parade commencing from Old Post Road at 1 p.m., complete with observances at Cross’ Mills Baptist Church and Cold Brook.
In addition to Newport, numerous towns across the region, including North Kingstown, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Pawtucket, and East Providence, will hold their own parades and ceremonies throughout the day. A major highlight is the 51st Annual Memorial Day ceremony taking place at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter at 1 p.m.
Community involvement is strongly encouraged at all events, with invitations extended to all citizens to support the parades and ceremonies. Local celebrations will also continue over the weekend, including the Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival alongside Newport Vineyards opening celebrations.
This Memorial Day, Rhode Island stands united in remembering the sacrifices made by its service members and the impact of their loss on families and the community at large. The spirit of honor, gratitude, and remembrance remains strong as individuals gather to pay tribute to those who served.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Memorial Day Open/Closed
- WPRI: Memorial Day Parades and Events
- RI Monthly: Memorial Day Parades in Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: 2025 Memorial Day Events
- Valley Breeze: Celebrating Memorial Day
