CRANSTON, RI – The city of Cranston held a moving dedication ceremony Saturday morning for a new veterans memorial at Budlong Pool Park, honoring the men and women from the city who have served in the armed forces and paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.

The memorial, which features a granite monument inscribed with the names of Cranston veterans who died in service since World War II, was the result of a years-long effort by the Cranston Veterans Council and a fundraising campaign that raised over $150,000 from community members, local businesses, and veterans organizations.

"This memorial is a promise to our veterans that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten," Mayor Hopkins said at the dedication ceremony, which drew several hundred residents despite the cold temperatures. "Cranston has always been a community that honors its veterans, and this memorial is a permanent expression of that gratitude."

The ceremony included a color guard from the American Legion Post 10, a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps," and remarks from several veterans who shared their experiences of service.

Among those honored at the ceremony was the family of Sergeant First Class Michael Ferreira, a Cranston native who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011. His mother, Patricia Ferreira, was visibly moved as she traced her son's name on the memorial.

"Michael loved this city and he loved this country," she said. "He would be so proud to know that Cranston hasn't forgotten him."

Senator Jack Reed, a West Point graduate and Army veteran, delivered brief remarks praising the community's commitment to honoring its veterans. "The men and women whose names are inscribed on this memorial gave everything for the values we hold dear," Reed said. "The least we can do is remember them."