Veterans Voice: On Independence Day, remember our vets who fought and died to gain it
I am writing this July Fourth column in Missoula, Montana, on the last leg of a bucket list trip through Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks.
The date is fitting, since the site of present-day Missoula was first discovered by the intrepid explorers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on July 4, 1806.
The beauty and grandeur I have seen on this trip has underlined for me the importance of Independence Day, more than any other Fourth of July in recent memory.
July Fourth is not really a military or veterans holiday. But let’s not forget that our ability to celebrate our independence at all is thanks to those who fought and died to gain it, and then to keep it.
Veterans Voice: Remembering two RI soldiers who lived and worked for their cause
History of Independence Day celebrations
Even though informal local celebrations took place starting in the early 1800s, Independence Day did not become a national holiday until 1870 (and it did not become a paid federal holiday until 1938).
'Quiet fireworks': Monday, July 4th at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown
The Dayton, Ohio, VA Medical Center is one of the oldest in the country, having started as the Central Branch National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.
By 1875 there were four such homes, serving Civil War veterans. According to records at Dayton, “The U.S. flag contained 37 stars and Independence Day — or ‘the National Anniversary’ as it was often referred to — was the sole holiday that called for fun and frivolity, rather than somber contemplation. It provided the men a welcome break from their daily routines.”
A few years ago the Dayton VAMC website published the following excerpt, describing the 1875 Independence Day celebration at the Dayton Home.
Independence Day at the National Home began at sunrise with a national salute that “awakened the slumbering community of the glorious day they were to celebrate, and the universally interesting programme prepared by veterans for the enjoyment of all.” Buildings and grounds of the institution were dressed in bunting as flags floated from the tops of various buildings.
Railroad excursion trains to the National Home began at 6:00 a.m. and were filled to capacity for hours while roads were thronged in all directions with horses and carriages representing “one mass of humanity” coming to the Home for the day.
The day’s events began at 8:00 a.m. with an entertaining show followed by a grand review (parade) of the veterans and dignitaries….
Afternoon festivities included outdoor sports and competitions of all varieties. A mule-race with a top prize of $5 kicked off the afternoon events which included “races for men on crutches and men in sacks, and men blindfolded with wheelbarrows to trundle… .”
As the day marched on, clouds rolled in and threatened to ruin the evening fireworks display, but the Home’s Governor, Colonel Brown, was undeterred. He said, “The fireworks have been procured for the celebration of the Fourth, and that in spite of all the unfavorable influence outside they should accomplish just what was intended by their purchase.
…up they went at the appointed hour. An eyewitness reported that “nothing so brilliant has ever been witnessed here.”
After the fireworks, the rush to get home was not easy. Trains were filled for hours and carriages clogged the roadways. At midnight, many visitors were compelled to walk home.
Over many generations the connection between veterans and the Fourth of July appears to have lessened. Today’s parades and celebrations certainly include a good representation of military units and veteran contingents, but for most of us the Fourth is a day for an outing to the beach, taking in a ballgame or chilling in the backyard with burgers and a few cold ones.
In addition to flying our flags and wearing red, white and blue, let’s make a special effort to also remember our veterans today.
Here’s an example of what we can do.
Donations sought for care packages for deployed soldiers
Early on Memorial Day morning, Company A, 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry began a year-long deployment.
Jessica Holbrook (whose husband is Sergeant First Class James Holbrook, one of the deployed soldiers) heads up the unit’s Family Resource Group. She is seeking donations of products such as socks, toothpaste, deodorant and other personal hygiene items that can be included in care packages being sent out next week.
The Rhode Island Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars (of which I am a part) has “adopted” Company A, and is working to support this effort. The South Kingstown VFW is helping as well.
Jessica’s team is getting together at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Schofield Armory in Cranston to gather donations and assemble the packages. If you are able to contribute or assist, please email Jessica at aco182frg@gmail.com.
Greenhouse at RI Veterans Home now open to residents
John Twomey, the URI master gardener who is the project leader, reported that they hosted about six veterans and staff in the greenhouse on June 16.
“We are officially open for the vets!” he said enthusiastically.
Veterans Voice: Greenhouse a source of comfort, therapy for residents of vets home
VFW Department of Rhode Island elects new officers
At its annual state convention on June 11, the VFW elected and installed the following officers:
• State commander: Joe "Tiger" G. Patrick II (VFW Post 916 in Wakefield)
• State senior vice commander: Rachael S. Garcia (VFW Post 152 in North Kingstown)
• State junior vice commander: Mark L. Turner (VFW Post 406 in Newport)
• State quartermaster: Brad P. Donnelly (VFW Post 9447 in Jamestown)
• State chaplain: C. Lee Hardgrove (VFW Post 152 in North Kingstown)
Dora T. Vasquez-Hellner completed her tour as the 2021-22 state commander and now joins the ranks of the department’s past state commanders.
Veterans service grant application
For organizations interested in applying, the application is now posted at vets.ri.gov/reports-and-policies/grant-opportunities
Information about the application process and question period are included in the RFP at the link above. The final deadline for the RFP is July 15 at noon. Contact Joanna Pallini for further details, at (401) 921-0233; or Joanna.pallini@vets.ri.gov.
Veterans Voice: Military experience made this former airman a better student
FCC offers fast and affordable internet service for vets
If you or a veteran you know is struggling to afford internet service, the Affordable Connectivity Program may put fast and reliable internet service within reach. ACP-eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband service and access to affordable high-speed internet plans from 20 leading providers.
To find out if you qualify or to sign up, go to ACPBenefit.org.
Expanded benefits for veterans with toxic exposure
As reported June 16 by Patricia Kime for Military Times, in addition to improving access to benefits for post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits, the sweeping toxic exposure legislation approved by the Senate last month will add two new conditions to the Department of Veterans Affairs' list of Agent Orange-related illnesses and expand benefits for veterans sickened by radiation or poisoned water in certain geographic locations.
The bill adds hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, or MGUS, allowing affected veterans to apply for health care and disability benefits without having to prove their condition was caused by their service.
Veterans Voice: VA expands list of cancers for disability care for burn pit victims
Calendar
Saturday, 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., fishing charter from Westerly, sponsored by the Providence Vet Center and Veteran Angler Charters. There are only a few open slots left. “The captain says the striped bass bite has been phenomenal off the coast of Block Island, so that is where we will be heading,” says Justyn Charon of the Providence Vet Center. For information, call (401) 739-0167 or email Justyn.Charon@va.gov.
July 21, 5 to 7 p.m., Veteran Voices Town Hall Series. The VA Providence Healthcare System announces the next in its virtual town hall meeting series, using Microsoft Teams. Guest speaker Tim Taylor is on a mission to locate and photograph submarines lost during World War II. He located the USS R-12 (SS-89), lost in 1943. Each town hall is followed by a Q&A with VA Providence Healthcare System leadership. Email providenceveteranstownhall@va.gov for a meeting invitation.
July 30, 1 to 4 p.m.; Learn to Quahog (Veterans Edition). North Kingstown Town Beach. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Shellfish RI invite service members, veterans and their families. Everything you need to harvest your own shellfish will be provided No RSVP required.
Aug. 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., fishing charter for combat veterans, aboard the Seven B’s out of Point Judith, offered by Tight Lines for Vets and the Veterans Center. Rods, reels, breakfast and lunch, drinks plus the day’s catch free to combat veterans. Submit contact info to tightlinesforvets@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook @Tight Lines for Vets to learn more.
Aug. 6, 6 p.m., veterans’ oldies dinner dance, Smithfield Elks Lodge 2359, 326 Farnham Pike, Smithfield. Donation is $45 per person; purchase tickets by Aug. 4 — no tickets sold at the door. Call (401) 921-1682 for tickets. Proceeds benefit distressed and homeless veterans.
To report the outcome of a previous activity, or add a future event to our calendar, email the details (including a contact name and phone number/email address) to veteranscolumn@providencejournal.com
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Veterans Voice: Fourth of July is a holiday to remember our vets
