By Mike Rego

More enhancements eyed for Veterans Memorial Park in East Providence

Brick pathway is the first of many anticipated upgrades

Posted 5/26/17

EAST PROVIDENCE — The enhanced Veterans Memorial Park off the appropriately named Veterans Memorial Boulevard in city continues to take shape thanks to the efforts of the city’s Advisory …

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By Mike Rego

More enhancements eyed for Veterans Memorial Park in East Providence

Brick pathway is the first of many anticipated upgrades

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The enhanced Veterans Memorial Park off the appropriately named Veterans Memorial Boulevard in city continues to take shape thanks to the efforts of the city’s Advisory Committee and a host of other supporters.

The most noticeable addition to the location has been the Honor Flight New England Pathway, which was laid recently by craftsmen, volunteers and Department of Public Works personnel. The “Honor Flight New England Pathway at Veterans Memorial Park” is composed of bricks leading from the parking area to the location of the Vietnam Memorial on the grounds.

The pathway came to fruition with the aid of former councilman and current State Representative Helder Cunha, Traders4ACause, Wellstone Hardscape and the EPDPW.

The moving of the memorial nearly two years ago by the city and the Battle Monuments group to the parcel adjacent to Squantum Woods and Kettle Point from its former home off Massasoit Avenue spurred renewed interest and vigor about the subject.

“This was sitting on Massasoit Ave. in no man’s land. So they moved it over here, financed the poles and the flag and it’s beautiful,” East Providence Veterans Advisory Committee member Rick Lawson explained. “So the Veterans Advisory Committee is adding to it, adding more amenities to this park. I would love to see school kids come here on field trips, see the monuments, maybe we bring some veterans down here to talk to the kids, then let the kids enjoy this beautiful park.”

Veterans Memorial Park has deep meaning especially to Mr. Lawson and the rest of the commission, including members like Jim Miller and Tony Abatecola. Mr. Lawson is an Air Force veteran. His father, Richard “Dick” Lawson, was a decorated Vietnam vet, the recipient of the Purple Heart and a Marine. His grandfather, Larry Laurino, was an Army veteran in the Korean theater.

“We’re military through and through, so we try to keep up on these things,” Mr. Lawson said of himself as well as Messrs. Miller and Abatecola. “I don’t think people fully understand the sacrifice it takes, including from the families. It’s not just the people deployed fighting, but the families back home.”

“This is absolutely a labor of love and respect. I take this so seriously. I get a great sense of my father when I’m here because he was Vietnam,” Mr. Lawson added. “We want to make sure the veterans are very well represented.”

Eventually, the hope is the actual bricks in the walkway are representative of those from East Providence who served their country. Bricks can be purchased and inscribed in recognition of veterans. The proceeds will be used by the Honor Flight effort, which offers free visits for veterans to Washington, D.C. each year.

The Veterans Advisory Committee also has other plans for the park besides the brick pathway. Mr. Lawson said electricity is going to be brought in so the American Flags adorning the Vietnam Memorial can be properly illuminated at night. Other like monuments situated throughout the city may also be moved to the location. The pathway could be extended to include interpretive signage and more bench seating could be added.

“Our hope, too, is to expand,” Mr. Lawson said. “We have a couple of other monuments around the city that may be better here than where they’re sitting now. The most notable one is sitting on the side city hall, the All Wars Memorial, which is kind of buried in the back that no one knows about or sees. I’d love to see that moved over here.”

The Veterans Advisory Committee was formed last year at the behest of former Councilwoman Tracy Capobianco, a strong supporter of the cause who also spurred an effort to decorate the city with American Flags on and around Memorial and Veterans days. The committee is tasked to “honor and advocate for all veterans.” To that end, it attempts to notify the thousands of East Providence veterans about programs and events available to them like the Aide and Assistance effort offered through the Veterans Administration for in-home care and the city homeowner tax breaks.

“We’re doing our best. The word is getting out there. As veterans, we all look out for each other,” Mr. Lawson said.

Getting the word out also means seeking more veterans to join in the annual Riverside Post 10 American League Memorial Day Parade, this year to step off on Monday, May 29.

“We’re calling for veterans to join us in the parade. We have a good showing now, but we’re looking for more.,” Mr. Lawson said. “We’re inviting all veterans to walk in the parade with us. We think it’s important after all it is Memorial Day.”

He added about the holiday and of the Vets Commission in general, “We need to make sure that we’re properly honoring veterans.”

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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.