NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) — As Memorial Day weekend begins, dozens gathered at Fort Adams in Newport for a powerful and emotional ceremony honoring Rhode Islanders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The annual “Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial,” organized by Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), pays tribute to the more than 7,000 U.S. service members who have died in the line of duty since the September 11 attacks.
While those heroes are buried across the country, this weekend they are remembered in one place. Among them are 29 Rhode Islanders, each represented by a pair of combat boots.
According to OSDRI Executive Director Erik Wallin, each pair carries a photo, a rose, and mementos from loved ones left behind.
“What strikes us every year is that those photos never change. They never age. Those people are frozen in time, these heroes,” Wallin said. “But to see the gold star family members, those would remind you that for them, their lives have going on with this tremendous loss and really for them every day is Memorial Day.”
For Gold Star families like Ron and Rosemary Gill, the ceremony is a painful but meaningful way to remember their loved ones.
“I could cry at any moment. It’s just sad to have to be here as much as it’s tough,” Ron said.
Their son, Ronnie Gill Jr., served as a gunner on a rapid response boat in the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2007, he was ejected from the vessel and died from his injuries at 26 years old.
Ronald A. Gill, Jr.
Ronald A. Gill, Jr.
Six months after Ronnie’s death, his daughter Gracie was born. This weekend, she’s attending her high school prom.
“Her prom is tonight. Ironically we were supposed to be there but we have to be there for this,” Ron said.
The Gills, along with other Gold Star families, took part in the moving tribute, personally placing their loved ones’ boots in a ring around the Rhode Island state flag.
“It’s just a sad situation for all the Gold Star parents. It’s one of those clubs. We don’t want any more members,” Ron said. “Unfortunately we keep getting them.”
Wallin said even a short walk through the memorial is a powerful reminder of what the holiday truly stands for.
“It’s a tribute and an honor and show respect our fallen men and women deserve especially on this weekend,” Ron added. “Memorial Day is a day we honor the ones that never made it out of the uniform.”
In addition, this year’s event will also feature Rhode Island’s first Invisible Scars of War Monument, is a tribute to military members who ultimately took their own lives due to the unseen wounds of war like depression and PTSD. It serves as a reminder of the lasting effects of trauma on those who return home.
The memorial is free and open to the public until 6 p.m. Monday.
LIST: Local Memorial Day parades, ceremonies and other events
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