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2020 WaterFire Salute to Veterans Online Video Premiere
Event Details
The 2020 WaterFire Salute to Veterans Online Video Premiere Screening is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. on WaterFire Providence’s Facebook Live and Youtube channels. The program will also be broadcast on Rhode Island PBS.
Presented in partnership with the State of Rhode Island, the Providence VA Healthcare Systems and PREVENTS, the President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide, WaterFire Providence will premiere a pre-recorded video program to salute our nations veterans and active-duty military personnel and help raise awareness of the ongoing suicide and mental health crisis among those who serve.
The 2020 WaterFire Salute to Veterans keynote speaker is Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, executive director of PREVENTS. Prior to heading the PREVENTS taskforce, Dr. Van Dahlen is the Founder and President of Give an Hour, a national nonprofit that provides free mental health services to those in need including our service members, veterans, their families, and other at-risk groups.
The 2020 WaterFire Salute to Veterans program will also include inspirational messages from Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman David Cicilline, Congressman Jim Langevin, and the Director of Rhode Island Department of Veterans Affairs Kasim Yarn. The National Anthem will be performed by the RI Army National Guard “Governor’s Own” 88th Army Band; Navy Band Northeast will also join in for additional musical performances; a retrospective of Torch Lighting Ceremonies from previous years WaterFire Salute to Veterans events; a video from “Spirit of ‘45” celebrating America’s Greatest Generation on the 75th anniversary of their Greatest Day, a video recognizing new enlistees from Rhode Island, videos honoring WWII veterans & Gold Star Families; and a closing ceremony video featuring the Providence Fire Department and local Veterans filmed at the WaterFire Arts Center.
Additionally, Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea will introduce a video presentation honoring Rhode Island’s Student Veterans produced by the Rhode Island Chapter of the Student Veterans of America. Rhode Island Lt. Governor Dan McKee and Treasurer Seth Magaziner will also offer their thoughts honoring our veterans.
Organizer
WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence® is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.
