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8/19/2026
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Vietnam Memorial Commission led by Chairman Azzinaro identifies memorial site
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STATE HOUSE — The House Vietnam Memorial Commission, chaired by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro, has chosen a memorial site in Providence for a Vietnam War memorial.
“I am happy to announce a site for the long-overdue Rhode Island Vietnam Memorial in the heart of Downtown Providence,” said Chairman Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly). “The site is already owned by the state and has easy street access, nearby parking and pedestrian access from the 195 District Park and the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge. It is also a beautiful location overlooking the water that is an appropriate space for commemoration and reflection, located along the same walking path that connects the Rhode Island IX Memorial, the Remembrance Garden of Great Providence and the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial.”
The site is located on the Providence River on state-owned land adjacent to 146 Dyer Street. Chairman Azzinaro has met with the Governor’s office to confirm that the land is available and with the City of Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, the 195 Commission and Rhode Island Energy to ensure the suitability of the site.
The Vietnam Veterans of America State Council of Rhode Island (VVARI) has opened a charitable account to collect private donations to fund the memorial. Chairman Azzinaro has donated to the fund and will continue to work with the VVARI on public outreach about the memorial project.
Checks payable to RIVMF can be mailed to Ernest S. Boisvert, One Capitol Hill Level G Veterans Office, Providence, RI 02908. For more information, the VVARI can be reached by email at sevt4@aol.com.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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