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H8596
2026 -- H 8596
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LC006533
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
THANKING AND COMMEMORATING THE GROUNDSKEEPERS AND MAINTENANCE
STAFF OF THE RHODE ISLAND VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN EXETER
Introduced By:
Representatives Fascia, Hopkins, Messier, Furtado, Santucci, Nardone,
Edwards, Place, Ajello, and Fogarty
Date Introduced:
May 28, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island,
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serves as a sacred and final resting place for more than 30,000 veterans and their eligible family
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members, providing a dignified and honorable setting that reflects the respect and gratitude of the
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people of Rhode Island; and
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WHEREAS, The dedicated groundskeepers, cemetery specialists, and maintenance staff
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perform the essential and solemn work of maintaining the cemetery’s 280 acres, ensuring that the
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grounds remain pristine, the gravesites are properly cared for, and the hallowed space continues
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to honor those who served our nation; and
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WHEREAS, These professionals handle not only routine grounds maintenance but also
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support committal services, often performing their duties with deep respect and personal
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connection to the veteran community; and
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WHEREAS, Many members of the cemetery staff, including leadership such as
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Administrator James Bessel, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, are themselves veterans
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who bring a profound sense of duty and understanding to their roles; and
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WHEREAS, The staff at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery are paid state
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employees under the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services, demonstrating the state’s
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commitment to professional stewardship of this important site; and
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WHEREAS, Through their consistent excellence and reverence in caring for these
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hallowed grounds, the groundskeepers and maintenance team uphold the highest standards of
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honor for Rhode Island’s veterans and their families; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the groundskeepers, cemetery specialists,
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maintenance staff, and all employees of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter
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for their dedicated service; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island House of Representatives commemorates and
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honors their important contributions to preserving the dignity and beauty of this sacred resting
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place for Rhode Island’s veterans; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services,
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the Administrator of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and the dedicated grounds
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and maintenance staff in recognition of their outstanding service.
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LC006533
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