Newport VFW Post 406 ensured the service and sacrifice of WWII Veterans is not forgotten by leading a ceremony at Newport City Hall. There were remarks by Post Commander Anselm Richards, invocation by Post Chaplain Sharon McGuinness, and guest speaker Dr. David Kohnen from the Navy War College. The Artillery Company of Newport fired a ceremonial volley to end the 80th anniversary remembrance.
Rhode Island is the only state with an official holiday to commemorate the end of World War II. Newport (and RI in general) was a key component in supporting the war effort – over 600,000 sailors underwent training in Newport between 1941- 1945 and over 80% of all torpedos used in the war were also designed, tested and manufactured here. The inflatable tanks that were a key fixture of Patton’s Ghost Army were also made here in Rhode Island, as well as over 50 Navy vessels. This year represents the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.
