On Sunday, Councilwoman Josephine DiRuzzo hosted a rededication ceremony for the McKenna-McAllister Monument at the corner of Plainfield Street and Pocasset Avenue, the former site of the McKenna-McAllister Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #592.
The monument was a gift of the 8th Ward Republican Committee in the 1920s to memorialize the service of local soldiers who had fought in the First World War. The VFW post, which no longer stands, was established in 1925 and was a staple of the neighborhood for more than sixty years. The site is now home to a Walgreens pharmacy, which according to site developer Scott Weymouth, has agreed to maintain and preserve the McKenna-McAllister Monument. Under the guidance Weymouth, the monument was recently repaired and is surrounded by new plantings.
“This is a wonderful chance to look back and honor our neighborhood’s past and the sacrifices members of our community have made for our country,” said Councilwoman DiRuzzo. “While this monument was originally meant to commemorate the actions of those who served in World War One, it has become a reminder of the sacrifices local families have made in the many conflicts our nation has been involved in since,” added DiRuzzo.
The ceremony was led by Mrs. Pat Blackman, the daughter of former Post #592 Commander Edward A. Conway, and Stephen Stewart, state commander of the Rhode Island VFW. Along with DiRuzzo, Councilman John Igliozzi, developer Scott Weymouth and area residents also were present. A color guard by the Providence Fire Department and a wreath-laying rounded out the rededication ceremony.
