Two separate ceremonies were held in Bristol to honor the United States Armed Services veterans in town and beyond.

The first one, held at the Memorial War Garden beside the Burnside Building in downtown Bristol was a quick ceremony that began at 8:30 a.m. It featured a recitation by Vietnam War veteran and president of the Bristol Veterans Council Walter Coehlo. After that, a ceremonial reef was placed in the garden while Navy veteran Steven Scuba played taps.

Coehlo distinguished Memorial Day from Veterans Day, saying, “All gave some and some gave all,” a reference to a song by Billy Ray Cyrus.

Joe Diniz, the senior vice commander of Rhode Island’s Department of Veterans, thanked the local government, the police department, and the attendees.

“It’s a short ceremony, but it’s a big ceremony because it honors everybody, all in a short period, so thank you very much,” he said at the end of the ceremony.

The second event took place at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Home at 2 p.m. The event was attended by numerous local, state, and federal officials from Rhode Island, including U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, who is the current chairman of the Senate Armed Forces Committee, as well as both U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner and Gov. Dan McKee.

The event began with Kasim J. Yarn, director of veterans affairs for the State of Rhode Island, who said that they are fortunate to have veterans from Vietnam, Korea, and World War II, mentioning that 11 veterans of World War II are living at the home, with another one being admitted soon.

Yarn also reiterated the commitment to providing residents of the home with an environment that is safe and healthy.

Gov. McKee said there are about 60,000 veterans in the state. “This is a special place for veterans in our state, and I’m honored to be here with so many of our brave men and women who served our country proudly.”

McKee, along with local and federal representatives, pledged to continue to fight for rights for veterans both in and out of the state, with Rep. Magaziner stating that memorials are not enough.

“We need to ensure that every veteran has access to excellent health care, has access to the support that they need to transition into civilian life, including housing,” Magaziner said.

The keynote speaker was Seth Fontenault, a young man from Smithfield reading from his Patriot Pen essay, which won first place in a contest held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Rhode Island.

“America inspires me to fight for what I believe is right and to respect other people’s beliefs,” Fontenault read from his essay. “I want to help this nation and protect it. I thank everyone who has fought or died so I am able to be here in this nation living free.”

The ceremony ended with a prayer recited Tim Bourquin, the Chaplain for the Rhode Island National Guard, as well as a performance of the Armed Forces Melody by the 88th Army Band of the Rhode Island National Guard.