Your Guide: WaterFire Salutes Veterans

This Saturday, Nov. 9, will mark the first WaterFire entirely dedicated to raising community awareness and offering gratitude to Veterans, enlisted members of the military, and their families. 

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee recently announced "The WaterFire Salute to Veterans", scheduled to take place Saturday at sunset, which is at 4:31 p.m. The event will occur two days before Veterans Day when the nation pays tribute to the men and women who have served our country in the military. 

RIPTA will be providing free rides to Veterans from 2 to 10 p.m. during the special WaterFire.

"I am pleased that WaterFire will be honoring the fine men and women and their families who have and currently sacrifice so much for our State," said Governor Chafee. "Rhode Island must be a place that honors and respects Veterans by doing all we can during and after their service." 

During the WaterFire Salute to Veterans, Rear Admiral Walter E. "Ted" Carter, Jr., President of the U.S. Naval War College, will give the keynote speech.

"The men and women of the Rhode Island National Guard, who have served and sacrificed during a decade of war, are extremely humbled and appreciative of the outpouring and support from the great citizens of Rhode Island," said Major General Kevin McBride, Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard. "The gratitude and genuine awareness of that sacrifice expressed by our citizens during this difficult period, is a point of pride throughout the entire force."

"WaterFire is proud to work with the entire community to honor and thank the Veterans who have protected our country and our freedom for generations," Barnaby Evans, Executive Artistic Director of WaterFire, said. "Freedom is the life blood of our nation and of art, and we offer this evening in thanks to the service of our Veterans. Communities are made stronger by all of us doing our part in service to the larger good. On behalf of WaterFire, our staff, board, volunteers and sponsors, we are grateful to so many who have given so much."

Susan MacKenzie, Director of the Providence VA Medical Center, urges Veterans and their families to stop by and meet members of the VA staff who will be on hand during the event in order to learn more about the benefits they have earned through their military service.

Saturday's WaterFire will include a mix of arts and Veteran educational and advocacy activities including military recruiters in Station Park. In addition, Memorial Park will be alight with blue stars to honor the Blue Star Families of Rhode Island or those families that have a loved one serving in the military. Visitors are invited to attach their hopes, dedications, and thanks to our Veterans to these stars and the luminaria candle lanterns on the park floor.

Sponsors for the WaterFire Salute to Veterans include Alex and Ani, Bronze Star, Citizens Bank and the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association.

In addition to the WaterFire display itself, there will be a variety of smaller events and activities stationed throughout the area. Click here to view a complete schedule of events.

For more information, click here to visit the official WaterFire Salute to Veterans website.