Woonsocket Honors Heroes' Service at Veterans Day Ceremony

"Heroes," said Woonsocket Veterans Agent Ernest Boisvert, "do not wear capes. They wear dog tags."

The men and women who bore those dog tags in service to the country were the stars of the day, with a particular focus on WWII during a chilly Veteran's Day at 10 a.m. outside the Museum of Work and Culture. 

Richard Schatz, President of the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket, recited a brief poem, "Soldier's Eyes," and then he and Boisvert recited a list of more than 160 local veteran casualties of World War II, with a bell ringing as each man took a turn at the names. 

The day drew a few hundred in the museum's sunny but cold front lot, including many local dignitaries: Sen. Roger A. Picard (D-Dist. 20) Sen. Marc Cote (D-Dist. 24), Rep. Stephen Casey (D-Dist. 50), Rep. Bob Phillips (D-Dist. 51 ) Acting Fire Chief Tim Walsh and Police Chief Thomas Carey, Councilmen John Ward, Bob Moreau and Chris Beauchamp, newly elected Councilors Garret Mancieri and Melissa Murray, and Mayor Leo Fontaine. 

Fontaine gave a brief speech, recalling the Woonsocket's battle against the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the eventual re-dedication of the Place Jolicoeur Monument threatened by the organization's legal challenge.

Place Jolicoeur was first dedicated by Marshall Foch on Nov. 13, 1921 in memory of William Jolicoeur's service. Then, on May 30, 1952, the memorial was dedicated in honor of the Gagne Brothers Alexandre, Henri and Louis who all died in World War II. 

Fontaine praised the spirit of their mother, Bernadette Gagne, who worked for the best of the city even after the terrible loss of her three sons, and urged residents to follow her example.

This year's ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Julian Mitchell, a WWII vet and docent at the Museum of Work and Culture who would often wear his uniform while telling visitors about the history of the City's servicemen and women. 

Mitchell attempted to enlist at 17 in the Navy, but wound up drafted into the army instead, said Carolyn Sloat, who read Mitchell's biography to the crowd. He and his fellow servicemen served in Italy and landed at Anzio, she said. 

After the war, Mitchell taught ancient European civilization and US History. 

Mithell's daughters, Danielle and Marina, accepted a plaque on his behalf. "We certainly miss your dad," said Romeo Berthiaume, who MC'd the ceremony.