11.12.2001
Fund to build
war memorial
for women
grows slowly
BY ELIZABETH ABBOTT
Journal Staff Writer
CRANSTON
-- Seven months ago, it seemed like a monumental, if not nearly impossible, task; $150,000 was needed to create a women's memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter and, as of April, only $13,000 had been raised.
These days, the committee that has been raising funds for the memorial is closer to reaching its goal; according to Lt. Col. Jeannine Vachon of the Rhode Island National Guard, who is leading the fundraising effort, about $80,000 has been raised.
But don't misunderstand, said Vachon. Donations are still welcome.
And they keep coming, big and small. A Scituate Cub Scout troop recently donated proceeds from a car wash, Vachon noted. And a male veteran recently sent a check with a note commending the "girls," which was signed, "Just another vet," she said.
Meanwhile, plans for the memorial are becoming more concrete by the day, said Vachon, who has no doubt the committee will reach its fundraising goal by the memorial's scheduled unveiling, in November 2002.
Narragansett artist Mimi Sammis designed the memorial. Plans call for a bronze statue, nine feet high, showing a woman in uniform holding a flag. She will stand at attention on top of a globe, looking strong and calm.
"She's carrying the energy of women, who serve democracy," Sammis has said.
In September, at a ceremony attended by Governor Almond, among other dignitaries, ground was broken in Exeter for new memorial. It will be located on the circle road leading to the Memorial Chapel and will be visible from the main road. Plans call for eventually creating a small park behind the memorial.
