Lieutenant Governor Matos Holds Wreath Laying Ceremony at Garden of Heroes Published on Friday, May 26, 2023 PROVIDENCE, RI – Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Rhode Island Gold Star Families, members of the Rhode Island National Guard, and state officials today laid wreaths at the Garden of Heroes in honor of Rhode Island military members who lost their lives in service of our country. “The sacrifices made by our armed forces are the foundation of our freedoms. 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,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “This Garden is a reminder of the incredible debt we owe our service members and of our responsibility to serve them and their families as honorably as they have served our country.” “The Garden of Heroes serves to remind each and every Rhode Islander of the heroic valor and sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives in the name of our ideals and freedom. The men and women who gave their lives to protect our nation are Rhode Islanders whose memory should never be forgotten,” Governor Dan McKee said. “The Garden of Heroes also reminds us that there are many family members across our state who continue to carry the heartbreak of losing a loved one We are a stronger state thanks to our Gold Star Family members, and the commitment and sacrifice of all those who have a loved one stationed away from home." The Garden of Heroes, located on the south lawn of the State House, commemorates Rhode Island service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country since September 11, 2001. It was established through legislation introduced at the request of former Lieutenant Governor Charles J. Fogarty and was officially dedicated in 2005. The Lieutenant Governor oversees the Garden’s care and holds a Wreath Laying Ceremony every May to honor the service members whose names are engraved in the Garden’s stone monument. “I am humbled to be part of the Garden of Heroes Wreath Laying just prior to Memorial Day,” said RI Director of Veterans Services Kasim Yarn. “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 and I thank Lt. Gov. Matos for her dedication to this solemn and beautiful garden. The families carry the pain of loss, and I hope they know our gratitude and awe of their sacrifices.”