Memorial Day: East Providence youngster 'flags' a wrong

Watson's words help lead to new "Stars and Stripes" flying over Washington Bridge

By Mike Rego
Posted 5/25/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — A highly motivated young resident recently assisted in getting the state to adhere to proper protocol for flying the American Flag in a highly visible location in the area.

At …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Memorial Day: East Providence youngster 'flags' a wrong

Watson's words help lead to new "Stars and Stripes" flying over Washington Bridge

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — A highly motivated young resident recently assisted in getting the state to adhere to proper protocol for flying the American Flag in a highly visible location in the area.

At the prodding of East Providence resident Grace Watson, Private First Class in the local chapter of the Young Marines organization, officials in the office of Governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation recently replaced a threadbare version of the “Stars and Stripes” hanging over the Washington Bridge connecting the city and Providence via Interstate 195.

Writing for the on-line magazine Young Marines Espirit, PFC Watson said she thought it inappropriate for the flag to be in such poor condition regardless, but especially for it being in such a prominent location on the heavily trafficked bridge.

“I believe it would be an embarrassment to my state if visitors see it flying in tatters,” she wrote.

PFC Watson, a home schooled eighth grader from Riverside and aspiring member of the United States Marine Corps, said she was motivated to take up the cause by her uncle, Michael Clancy, a resident of Warren and a former Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army Airborne Division.

Mr. Clancy has previously attempted to remedy the flag infraction, making numerous calls to state officials, though to no avail.

Taking a cue from her uncle’s efforts, however, PFC Watson decided to address the situation as well. She wrote, “We felt that I as a Rhode Island Young Marine, perhaps if I called the governor, she would listen and the flag would be changed more quickly.”

She continued, “I made a call to Governor Gina Raimondo's office and told them about the condition of the flag (and I mentioned that I am a Young Marine). I asked them if they could replace the flag as soon as possible. They told me they would look into it and have the flag replaced. It was only a couple of days later heading to drill I looked over and saw the new American Flag waving proudly over the Washington Bridge.”

The efforts of PFC Watson only engendered even more delight for her appreciative uncle.

“Being the uncle of Grace, but even more so being a Veteran, I am very proud and quite impressed with her positive attitude and patriotism,” Mr. Clancy said. “From her younger days, she made it clear that she wanted to serve in our country’s military. She is both dedicated and determined and will be a great asset to our military.”

The Young Marines, founded in 1959, is a youth program open to all youth between the ages of 8 to 18. The Rhode Island outfit is headquartered in Greenville. PFC Watson and her R.I. Young Marines peers will be marching in the Warren Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 28.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Mike Rego

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.