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

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island,

serves as a sacred and final resting place for more than 30,000 veterans and their eligible family

members, providing a dignified and honorable setting that reflects the respect and gratitude of the

people of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, The dedicated groundskeepers, cemetery specialists, and maintenance staff

perform the essential and solemn work of maintaining the cemetery’s 280 acres, ensuring that the

grounds remain pristine, the gravesites are properly cared for, and the hallowed space continues

to honor those who served our nation; and

     WHEREAS, These professionals handle not only routine grounds maintenance but also

support committal services, often performing their duties with deep respect and personal

connection to the veteran community; and

     WHEREAS, Many members of the cemetery staff, including leadership such as

Administrator James Bessel, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, are themselves veterans

who bring a profound sense of duty and understanding to their roles; and

     WHEREAS, The staff at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery are paid state

employees under the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services, demonstrating the state’s

commitment to professional stewardship of this important site; and

     WHEREAS, Through their consistent excellence and reverence in caring for these

hallowed grounds, the groundskeepers and maintenance team uphold the highest standards of

honor for Rhode Island’s veterans and their families; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the groundskeepers, cemetery specialists,

maintenance staff, and all employees of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter

for their dedicated service; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island House of Representatives commemorates and

honors their important contributions to preserving the dignity and beauty of this sacred resting

place for Rhode Island’s veterans; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services,

the Administrator of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and the dedicated grounds

and maintenance staff in recognition of their outstanding service.

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LC006533

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