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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM HOLDS DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR HOWITZERS AT WORLD WAR II VETERANS MEMORIAL STATE PARK The 1 p.m. ceremony, which kicked off Veterans Day events in Rhode Island, focused on the unity and strength of Rhode Island veterans, their families and friends during these difficult days since the events of September 11. Local veterans councils from northern Rhode Island, including the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign War, and Vietnam Veterans of America brought their post colors to the ceremony, which began with a US Marine Corps Color Guard. The Woonsocket High School Jazz Band provided patriotic music for the occasion. Speakers included Rhode Island Lt. Governor Charles Fogarty, US Congressman Patrick Kennedy; Woonsocket Mayor Susan Menard; David Foehr, Associate Director, Department of Human Services, Veterans Affairs; Joseph Nadeau, Commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1519 and member, Woonsocket United Veterans Council; Colonel John L. Enright, Chief of Staff of the RI Army National Guard; and DEM Director Jan Reitsma. "The howitzers we are dedicating today are here because of the vision of Sen. Alphonse Auclair and the hard work and close cooperation of many people and groups," Reitsma said. "They will serve as a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans of World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars, for many generations to come." A former Woonsocket state senator and currently chairman of the Woonsocket United Veterans Council, Senator Auclair was instrumental in securing the howitzer cannons for the park. At Senator Auclair's request, the Woonsocket City Council passed a resolution in October 2000 requesting that two demilitarized guns be placed at the entrance to the park in tribute to the war veterans. DEM, which owns and operates the state parks system, and Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, worked with the Woonsocket United Veterans Council to help bring their idea to fruition. "I am pleased that I was able to assist the Woonsocket veterans and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management in obtaining these historic weapons, which will always stand as remembrance of the sacrifices made by our World War II veterans," said Congressman Kennedy. "I was proud to obtain the howitzers from the Army as surplus, and I commend the Rhode Island National Guard for transporting them here. With all of us working together, we are able to commemorate this occasion in a special park on Veterans Day weekend." DEM paid for demilitarizing the howitzers, which were located by Congressman Kennedy and transferred to DEM from the Department of the Army. The Rhode Island Army National Guard transported the cannons from the United States Army's Bluegrass Station in Lexington, Kentucky to the National Guard facility in Smithfield in August. Under DEM's direction, a howitzer placement plan was developed in September and construction of the howitzer pads and sitework took place in October. "The placement of these two howitzer cannons of World War II, Korea and Vietnam represent a timely tribute to the sacrifices made by the veterans of all wars," Foehr said. "As we now embark on yet another defense of our national freedoms, may these cannons be an ever-present reminder that in America, 'United We Stand.'" The cannons are both 105 mm howitzers, model M2A3. Both were made in 1954. The 105 mm howitzer was used for infantry support by troops in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The 105 mm howitzer was phased out and replaced by a new automatic howitzer in 1980. The 105 mm howitzer has a range of seven miles and is operated by a seven-man crew. The 105 mm is considered a "lightweight" howitzer and has the following characteristics: it weighs 4,980 pounds; it has a maximum firing range of 14,500 meters; the service life of the cannon is 7,500 equivalent full charge rounds; the maximum rate of fire is 30 rounds in 3 minutes; and the projectile weight is 33 pounds. The weapon carriage is an all-steel structure, which mounts a recoil mechanism and a 105mm cannon. Loading and orientation of the weapon are manual. The weapon is towed by a 2 ½ ton truck and is capable of accompanying airmobile and airborne operations. Approximately 12,000 howitzers have been produced since 1941 by a variety of commercial manufacturers and government arsenals. The dedication ceremony at World War II Veterans Memorial State Park was part of a series of Veterans Day ceremonies taking place in state and federal parks throughout the country. In a show of national unity, hope and healing, US Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton has waived entrance fees to all national parks during the Veterans Day weekend, November 10-12. On the local level, dozens of historic sites throughout Rhode Island will open their doors to the public at no charge on Monday, November 12. (See the list of sites at www.rihphc.state.ri.us) There is never a charge to visit any of Rhode Island's state parks. -30- |
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