The city of Cranston unveiled a new veterans memorial at Garden City Center on Saturday, drawing more than 400 veterans, family members, and community supporters to a dedication ceremony that honored the service and sacrifice of Rhode Island men and women who have served in the armed forces.

The memorial, which features a central granite obelisk inscribed with the names of Cranston residents who have served in every conflict from World War II through the current era, was funded entirely through private donations and a $150,000 contribution from the city's capital improvement budget. The project was spearheaded by the Cranston Veterans Council, which spent three years raising funds and working with the city on the design and installation.

Mayor Kenneth Hopkins delivered the keynote address, praising the veterans in attendance and calling the memorial "a permanent reminder of the debt this community owes to those who have worn the uniform." Hopkins announced that the city will establish an annual Veterans Day ceremony at the memorial beginning this November.

Rhode Island National Guard Adjutant General Christopher Gray represented the military at the ceremony, noting that Rhode Island has one of the highest per-capita rates of military service in the nation. "Rhode Islanders have always answered the call," Gray said. "This memorial is a fitting tribute to that tradition."

The dedication drew particular attention to the names of 12 Cranston residents who have been killed in action since 2001, including Army Sergeant First Class Michael Maloney, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011 and for whom a section of Route 10 in Cranston is named. Several of their family members were present at the ceremony and were recognized by the mayor.