Monuments at Veterans Memorial Cemetery

The Veterans Memorial Cemetery contains many monuments.

photo 1: The entrance to the Veterans Memorial Cemetery

photo 2: three monuments

left monument: Lonely Lookout Memorial
The lonely lookout through all weather searching the sea and sky for the enemy. The Signal Men and radio men communicate to ships in the convoy, while gun crews stand ready. A tribute to these brave men whom the world is indebted, these men must not be forgotten.

center monument: We Aim-To Deliver
U.S. Navy Armed Guard WWII-Dedicated to all who served.

right monument: The U.S. Navy Armed Guard
The division of the U.S. Navy that dealt with the protection of merchant vessels from attacks by submarines and aircraft was known as the Armed Guard.
The armament of the merchant vessels started with one gun in World War I, but was increased to 2 large guns (3", 4", or 5") and 6 to 8 20 mm guns in World War II.
The Navy gun crew for a cargo ship consisted of a Commanding Officer, radiomen, signalmen and gunners. These selected men received intense thorough and demanding training.
The combination of armament and special well trained men stopped the attacks on merchant vessels. By the end of the World War II, the Armed Guard with a personnel of 144,970, was protecting over 6,236 ships. Losses due to enemy action were 1.810 men killed, 27 men were taken prisoner and 19,880 men survived 710 torpedoed ships. The Armed Guard was a major factor in the winning of World War II.

photo 3: Armed Services Memorial
This Memorial Monument is dedicated to those who have served in the Armed Forces so that we may live in peace and freedom from fear.
Erected 1989 by Amvets Department of Rhode Island and Auxiliary.

photo 4: Jewish War Veterans
Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America Department of Rhode Island and Ladies Auxiliary. Dedicated in Memory of all departed comrades who served their country in time of war to preserve freedom and human rights.
To honor their memory and shield from neglect the graves of our heroic dead.

photo 5: Rhode Island National Guard

(Left Panel)
Army National Guard-Since 1638-The Rhode Island Army National Guard was formed as a State Militia for the protection of the people. It always answers the call to arms when conflicts or natural disasters occur in our state, our nation or around the world.

(Center Panel)
Rhode Island’s greatest asset in peace and war. I am the Guard. Whenever a strong arm and valiant spirit must defend the nation there I stand.

For three centuries a civilian in peace, a soldier in war, I am the custodian of the nation’s security and honor now and forever, there I stand. I am the Guard.

(Right Panel)
Air National Guard-Since 1947-The Rhode Island Air National Guard was created as a separate armed service when the United States Air Force was established. Its mission provides combat support in war and humanitarian aid during natural disasters throughout the world.

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Source

• Text: Dick de Bruijne
• Photos: Cosmos Mariner (1), Don Morfe (2, 5), Don Morfe (3, 4)