PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — After decades of waiting, a location has finally been selected for a Vietnam War Memorial in Providence.
In a move described as "long overdue," state leaders joined members of the Rhode Island veteran community on Tuesday to announce District Park as the official site for a monument honoring more than 20,000 Rhode Islanders who served during the Vietnam War.
Ernest Boisvert, president of the R.I. Vietnam Veterans of America, gave an emotional testimony regarding the harsh treatment many veterans of the Vietnam war faced upon their return home from the battlefield.
He said time is of the essence when it comes to ensuring they are properly represented.
"Ten years ago, every ten minutes a Vietnam veteran passed away," Boisvert said. "It's now down to four minutes. We need this memorial, we need to thank those who served, and we need it today." Ernest remarked.
With this in mind, those in attendance hope this memorial will serve as a piece of remembrance and honor for those who served in the war, with a permanent fixture in the capital city.
Kasim Yarn, is the Director of the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services and a staunch advocate for veterans' rights.
"This is our commitment to you, and we'll continue to move forward to intercede on your behalf.," Yarn said. "Yes, whether you volunteered, whether you were told to, you got a blank check. Well guess what, now you're starting to cash in."
According to House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chair Samuel Azzinaro, the project is being funded through a combination of state budget funds and donations. He said the committee will meet frequently and work in tandem with state leaders to make sure the memorial is complete as soon as possible.
"To our Vietnam veterans; there's still much work to be done, but obtaining this location is our first step," Azzinaro said. "At this location we can mark it as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site."
A website will reportedly be announced Friday where people can make donations.
Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.
Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.
[sailthru_widget name="Sailthru Widget Block" sailthru_list="Daily News" title="Daily Roundup"] Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.