Rhode Island World War II veterans and the civilian workers on the home front who supported them will be honored at the dedication of a new memorial on Sunday, October 17^th in Woonsocket.

Sponsored by American Legion Fairmount Post 85 and funded by the Heritage Harbor Foundation, “The Final Salute”, will take place at 870 River Street in Woonsocket and is open to the public.  The program will include displays of military artifacts, original newspapers announcing American victory, military vehicles, and the replica of an inflatable rubber Sherman tank like those manufactured in Woonsocket to supply General George Patton’s “Ghost Army” in 1944.

The program will also include an address on the distinguished American fighter ace Major John T. Godfrey, the induction of Polish-American aviator Joseph Parylak into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and the featured address by Dr. Scott Molloy on the “soldiers of production’ who worked tirelessly throughout industrial Rhode Island to supply the war effort.  A tribute flyover of vintage military aircraft will take place (weather permitting).

Military funeral honors will be rendered to the families of three World War II veterans.  Music provided by the U.S. Navy Band directed by former Secretary of the Navy, J. William Middendorf and by the U.S. Army National Guard Brass Quintet.