May 2024 Newsletter Published on Friday, May 31, 2024 Rhode Island is full of exceptional people. My office is laser-focused on ensuring that those who go above and beyond are recognized and honored for their contributions to our state. Here's how my office worked to do that this month: HONORING OUR MILITARY HEROES The most solemn and sacred duty of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is maintaining the Garden of Heroes, our state's monument to the brave men and women who have given their lives to defend our nation since September 11, 2001. Each May, we hold a memorial wreath laying ceremony with the state's Gold Star Families, military members, veterans, and state officials. This year's ceremony included an invocation by Gold Star Father Richard August and remarks by Gold Star Mother Sharon Serio-Valente. To the Gold Star Families, veterans, and all Rhode Islanders missing a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country: our hearts are with you. HONORING OUR OUTSTANDING STUDENTS Each spring, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor recognizes outstanding high school seniors from every school in the state. This month, we gathered those amazing students together in the State House and presented them with the Lieutenant Governor's Leadership Award. Congratulations to all of these students - we're wishing them the best of luck at college or in their careers! HONORING OUR COMMITMENT TO SENIORS My office continued our series of Senior Center Town Halls, bringing in-person help from state, federal, and non-profit groups to the Pilgrim Senior Center in Warwick. We work hard to make sure the state has programs to help Rhode Islanders age comfortably in place, and it's important that those resources are easily accessible to all seniors. If you or a loved one needs help with state services, reach out to me at (401) 222-2371! In the month coming up, we'll be focused on preparation - getting our state ready for the "silver tsunami" of business owners reaching retirement age, making sure our communities are safe during hurricane season, and helping students build the skills they need to pursue entrepreneurship as a career. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Lieutenant Governor! Best wishes, Sabina Matos