Thanking and Commemorating the Groundskeepers and Maintenance Staff of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter

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.