EAST PROVIDENCE — The five members of the East Providence City Council hosted what they hope will be the first of many Veterans Appreciation Dinners Thursday evening, Nov. 9, in the St. Martha Church Hall on Pawtucket Avenue.

This year's inaugural menu featured a pasta dinner with homemade sauce cooked by Ward 4 Councilor Rick  Lawson, himself a United States Air Force veteran.

The dinner was held from 5 o'clock to approximately 8 p.m., but Lawson said no one would be turned away because of time.  All five current councilors were in attendance as well as other elected and appointed officials from the city.

Several other members of the community volunteered to assist with the dinner, including the city chapter of the Rhode Island Blue Star Moms, mothers of current and former service members.

"The Council is very grateful for all who assisted putting on this dinner for veterans, active duty, and military families," said Lawson. "East Providence is home to many proud veterans and we wanted to show our gratitude and let them know their elected officials are here for them."

Besides the pasta dinner with meatballs, veterans and their spouses were served salad and rolls, soft drinks and cider and an assortment of pastries. By the end of the evening around 60 meals were served.

Added Lawson, "Tonight was very successful and we're  already planning to do it again next year and hopefully it becomes an annual tradition."

— East Providence Post editor and eastbayri.com staff member Mike Rego shot the accompanying gallery of photos.