Matos lays wreaths with Gold Star Families at Garden of Heroes

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos joined Rhode Island Gold Star Families and members of the state’s National Guard Wednesday to lay wreaths at the Garden of Heroes in honor of Rhode Island military members who died while serving.

“The sacrifices made by our armed forces are the foundation of our freedoms,” Matos said. “Honoring those that have given everything for our country is a sacred, solemn duty, and it is a privilege to join the Rhode Island Gold Star Families in memorializing their lost loved ones here at the State House.”

The Garden of Heroes is located on the south lawn of the State House and commemorates Rhode Island service members who have lost their lives while serving their country since Sept. 11, 2001.

It was officially dedicated in 2005 and is overseen by the lieutenant governor’s office, which holds a wreath laying ceremony every May.

“I am humbled to be part of the Garden of Heroes Wreath Laying just prior to Memorial Day,” Director of Veterans Services Kasim Yarn said. “Coming together as one family to honor and remember those who have been lost to war, but more importantly to support the families who are still here carrying on their mission of service, is incredibly important to me.”