On Friday May 22, 2026, Freemasons from throughout Rhode Island, their families and guests met at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter to lay a wreath at the Masonic Veterans Memorial. 

Gilbert J. Fontes, Jr., Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons for Rhode Island, conducted the remembrance ceremony saying Memorial Day is set apart for reflection on the lives of those who gave everything in service to our nation.  “Their devotion to duty, their fidelity to principle, and their willingness to place the welfare of others above their own stand as enduring examples to us all.  As we lay this wreath we remember the names etched in stone and the countless names known only to God.”

He added that that day was one of added significance for Rhode Island Freemasonry, being the 20th anniversary of the dedication of the monument.  He introduced Bradford L Barco, Most Worshipful Past Grand Master, who was a member of the committee that presented the initial proposal for the monument.  He said that the Masonic Veterans Memorial was conceived to preserve the memory of Masonic veterans while steadfastly remembering the sacrifices made by all of our veterans.  He described the design process of the memorial, which began in 2004 and was realized in 2006. He referenced the fund-raising campaign conducted by the Masonic Grand Lodge that, in just one year, raised the funds necessary to begin design and construction of the monument.

An honor guard from Overseas Lodge No. 40 presented the American flag at the ceremony,

The Masonic Veterans Memorial was dedicated in 2006.  Wreaths are placed at the memorial each Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

*Follow this link to read the full addresses of Grand Master Fontes and Past Grand Master Barco.

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