On Aug. 20, family, friends and dignitaries came together at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to pay final respects to Ambassador J. William Middendorf II. He received a full honors funeral, with the Navy Band providing a musical salute.
Members of the Navy Honor Guard served as pallbearers and carefully folded the American flag over his remains. Adm. William J. Houston presented the flag to Middendorf's eldest daughter, Frances. A dedicated firing party delivered a traditional three-volley rifle salute.
Middendorf, a longtime Little Compton resident, died at the age of 101 in October. He was a distinguished American diplomat, government official, composer and artist. Best known for his 1974 to 1977 stint as secretary of the Navy, he also served as ambassador to the Netherlands, to the Organization of American States (OAS), and to the European Communities. In addition, he was a successful investment banker.
A talented composer, Middendorf wrote a number of symphonies and marches, including the official march for the U.S. Navy's bicentennial. He also wrote the Holland Symphony, which he famously presented to Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in 1973.
His home in Little Compton started as a summer escape from the pressures of his professional life. After his retirement, it became his primary residence. Middendorf was an active member of the community for many decades.
Back in March, the leadership team of the Military Order of Foreign Wars announced plans to establish a permanent Purple Heart Monument at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The organization's commander, Ron Barnes, and retired Lt. Col. Bert Guarnieri have taken it on themselves to ramrod the project.
"In recognition of America's 250th anniversary, the monument will also honor the Badge of Military Merit, created by General George Washington in 1782," Ron wrote. "Widely regarded as the nation's oldest military decoration, it is the direct predecessor of today's Purple Heart."
They secured site approval within the Veterans Cemetery and began raising funds for the $60,000 effort through a Purple Heart Monument Committee.
They have made significant progress. The carved stone itself was recently completed at a granite company in Barre, Vermont, while site prep continues.
"The initial clearing of trees and ground has been completed by Studley Tree Service, who donated their time and talents," said Barnes.
The site layout is complete, and the foundation has been poured. A brick heart will surround the monument, using more than 1,600 purple and close to 400 yellow bricks. The dedication date has not been announced yet.
Escalating costs have pushed the costs of the project beyond the $60,000 budget, so organizers continue to solicit contributions. Donations are tax-deductible.
To support the Purple Heart Monument, mail checks to this address and note "Purple Heart" on the memo line: RIMOFW, 26 Mohawk St., Coventry, RI 02816.
For more information, email Ron Barnes at [email protected].
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m. Zachary Martin Memorial RI 5K Run/Walk at Colt State Park, Route 114 in Bristol, will raise funds to support veterans and their families. In 2022, Marine Pfc. Zachary Martin died by suicide after struggling with PTSD. In his memory, a nonprofit was established to raise awareness and provide financial support for veterans and discharged military personnel struggling with PTSD.
The event is organized by Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI), a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans facing homelessness, housing instability and financial hardship, and veterans living with PTSD and their families.
Runners and walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate. Community members can support the mission by participating, supporting a participant or making a contribution to the organizations involved.
For more information visit zacharymartinmemorial.com or call OSDRI at 401-383-4730
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Former Navy secretary from Little Compton honored at Arlington