Daily Briefing: How you can honor a veteran today

Veterans Day events are taking place across the state [providencejournal.com]( [Daily Briefing]( Friday, November 11 [click here]( [Exclusive eNewspaper: Read today's newspaper online, and access hundreds of newspapers across the USA TODAY Network.]( [click here]( Good morning, I'm Will Richmond, and hoping this weekend's windy weather will knock the rest of the leaves off my trees. I probably don't have to tell anyone that today is Veterans Day. For some, it's a holiday — this year creating a three-day weekend. For others, it's a little more personal. According to the [U.S. Census there are 52,128 veterans in Rhode Island]( but I'm biased toward one. My father, Bill Richmond, served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Technical Specialist 5. He was a sharpshooter who earned the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device. His Service Dress Uniform jacket still hangs in a closet in my mother's house. Unfortunately, my dad passed away in 2017 at the age of 72, his exposure to chemicals while serving playing a factor in his death. [Bill Richmond, father of Will Richmond, in his military dress uniform.] Bill Richmond, father of Will Richmond, in his military dress uniform. Will Richmond/The Providence Journal He didn't talk much about his experience in Vietnam or what it was like when he returned home. In hindsight, it's one of the things I wish I had talked to him about more before his passing. Around Veterans Day we'd try to squeeze in one last round of golf if the weather would hold out or get lunch. Just a small way to show appreciation for his service. While I had my father to thank for his service, you don't need to know someone personally. Though there's a good chance most of us do. Throughout Rhode Island today will be ceremonies and parades. The town of Barrington will honor the 56 town veterans that died in service with banners hung on lamp posts. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Gil Cisneros will be at Brown University. These are just a couple of the events taking place. If you're looking for something happening near you we have a comprehensive list on[providencejournal.com](. And if you see a veteran today but aren't exactly sure what to say our [veterans columnist Frank Lennon offers his advice](. A quick suggestion — avoid "Happy Veterans Day." If you're not sure where to go I'd also strongly suggest a visit to the [R.I. Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter](. While I had driven by the entrance on Route 2 many times I never went in until around the time of my dad's passing. It's really a stunning place. WHERE'S THE JOURNAL TODAY High school playoffs are heating up with semifinal and championship games taking place all weekend long. Keep an eye out for The Journal's Eric Rueb, who will be very busy. WORTH A READ • [Marijuana Moment]( offers a round-up of Rhode Island's pot votes on Tuesday. • Make sure you [have your rain jacket ready]( during the next couple of days. A programming note. The full Daily Briefing will return on Monday. Subscribers will continue to receive Daily Briefing in their inbox on Saturday on Sunday with the top headlines. Have a great weekend. Did someone share this newsletter with you? [Sign up here to get it in your inbox](  [Paul Dulchinos, president of the Barrington United Veterans Council, under one of the banners.]( [Rhode Island marks Veterans Day with ceremonies, parades]( Rhode Island communities and organizations are marking Veterans Day with parades, ceremonies and some discounts for those who served. [School bus collision injures 5 in Pascoag]( [Damage can be seen on the right front of school bu]( [Warwick to add parking for access to shoreline]( [A legal "No Parking" sign in the Potowomut neighbo]( [Veterans Voice: 'Thank you for your sacrifice']( [Author Frank Lennon [The Providence Journal / Mic]( Problem viewing email? [View in browser]( [Unsubscribe]( • [Manage Newsletters]( • [Terms of Service]( • [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( • [Privacy Notice]( • [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy]( • [Feedback]( © 2022 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902