Veterans Day and 11/11 have always held a special place in my heart, as well as my family’s collective heart. As the daughter and the sister of two decorated U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonels and, more recently, the aunt of an Army officer, I have grown up among military communities. I have tremendous respect for anyone brave enough to serve our country in such a profoundly meaningful way, on the front lines and behind the scenes.
The Origin of Veterans Day
Veterans Day, as we know it today, began as Armistice Day just after World War I. At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, an armistice (a formal agreement between two opposing forces to stop engaging in combat) between the Allied Forces and Germany took effect. The following year on the same date, President Woodrow Wilson recognized the day with “solemn pride.” However, it wasn’t until 1938 that the day became a national holiday.
Then, as now, November 11th commemorated the end of hostilities in the “Great War” and honored the men and women who served. We must never forget the heartbreaking and irrevocable sacrifices that their families – and families all over the world, on all sides – endured. Over time, the holiday evolved into a National Day of Recognition, honoring all American military veterans, from every branch of service, and every generation.
In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day to recognize American veterans of all wars.
Closer to Home
Last week, while researching this article, I had the pleasure of touring the Rhode Island Veterans Home Community Living Center in Bristol. It was impressive, gratifying and heartwarming to experience this beautiful expansive, modern campus and interact with the people who work and live there.
Rebuilt from the ground up in 2017, this visionary, welcoming Home provides housing and care for Rhode Island’s Wartime Veterans. It is located on the same 100-acre land that has served as the home for Rhode Island’s Veterans since 1890.
One can take a virtual tour of the Home by watching this video on the RIVH website. The video script shares that “the Rhode Island Veterans Home was thoughtfully designed with neighborhood-style living that encourages connection while respecting privacy and independence.” This was indeed my experience as a visitor.
Jeremy Tollenson, Veterans Program Manager for the RI Department of Labor & Training shared his story as a five-year U.S. Army veteran and combat medic. “My experience in the Army ultimately led me to a role here at the DLT supporting job-seeking veterans.” He added, while there are eligibility criteria for various benefits, the department has been created to help Veterans navigate and access educational benefits, training and other important resources.
Music & Connection Heals
Local musician and pianist, Heidi List Murphy, founder of List Academy of Music, plays what she refers to as a “human piano” at the RI Veterans Home in Bristol nearly every week. Pulling out her “CHIMES” (an acronym for Cognitive Health Interactive Music Ensemble), List Murphy conducts a large group of Veteran Seniors – most of whom are seated in wheelchairs – through a playlist of well-recognized military anthems and a few pop songs. She, along with a musical assistant, encourage and conduct each Veteran to ring their individual chimes to create the resulting music as an ensemble. List Murphy playfully calls her sessions “Heidi and the Vets,” a riff on one of her favorite musician’s (Elton John) famous song, “Benny and the Jets.”
Meet Brad Burt, Formerly of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)
Newport native, and now Portsmouth resident, Brad Burt joined the USMC in 1980 via an open contract. Burt explained that an “open contract” meant he would be enlisting without a guaranteed “Military Occupational Specialty.”
“Basically, I was going to be a cook or in the infantry,” Burt joked. But instead, he was sent to Parris Island in South Carolina, a Marine Corps recruit training facility, and he was quickly selected to participate in an elite psychological evaluation program. The next thing Burt knew, his “deployment” was guarding then-President Reagan at Camp David, as “Corporal of the Guard.”
“President Reagan was at Camp David constantly. It was stressful duty, but an amazing experience.” He added, “I believe joining the Marine Corps was the best thing I ever did. I tell young people that all the time.”
Burt’s biggest takeaway from his time with the USMC is that “everything was done in teams.”
“That team spirit has served me all my life. Regardless of what branch of the military we ended up in, all Veterans share a kinship.”
Burt shared that since his active military time, he has benefited from many opportunities including educational access, buying his first home via a V.A. Loan, and excellent healthcare benefits. While enjoying retirement after pursuing a post-military IT career, Burt is still super fit and focused on his health, He enjoys the added benefit of working out daily at the Newport Naval Station’s Base Gym.
“Those of us at the Marine Corps take great pride in knowing the day before Veteran’s Day, November 10th, is the ‘Marine Corps Birthday’ dating back to its beginnings in 1775, at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia.” This year the USMC is celebrating its 251st birthday.
Burt also wanted to mention the earnest commitment of Middletown resident Charlie Masterson, who is President, Rhode Island House Veterans Advisory Committee to Rhode Island veterans. “He does a lot for Veterans!”
Burt ended our interview with a personal note to WUN readers, “Semper Fidelis to all Veterans.”
More Resources
Here is an abbreviated list of some highly regarded Veterans Services in Rhode Island:
Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
The primary state agency connecting veterans and their families with benefits and assistance.
- Assistance navigating VA benefits and disability claims.
- Financial assistance and emergency support.
- Burial and memorial benefits.
- Referrals to housing, healthcare, and employment resources.
Website: vets.ri.gov
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
The federal agency administering veterans’ healthcare, disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, home loans, and other services.
Website: va.gov
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI)
One of the state’s most important veteran-focused nonprofits.
Services include:
- Transitional and permanent housing assistance.
- Homelessness prevention.
- Employment and career support.
- Benefits counseling.
- Case management and referrals.
- Support for veterans and their families.
Website: osdri.org
VA Homeless Veterans Programs
The VA provides housing assistance, outreach, case management, and connections to supportive housing programs.
Website: VA Homeless Programs
