VA Providence is honored to recognize three remarkable Rhode Island Veterans who exemplify the strength, sacrifice and spirit of the Greatest Generation.
Henry Polichetti—oldest man in the U.S.
Born July 3, 1915, and now the oldest living man in the United States, Navy Veteran Henry Polichetti served as an instructor at several top-secret naval radio schools during WWII. Known as “the sailor who never went to sea,” he worked to help the Navy track German U-boats and trained naval radio operators during a pivotal moment in American history. Mr. Polichetti still lives in Cranston, Rhode Island, and recently celebrated this rare milestone with family, friends and fellow Veterans.
Hats off to Caster Salemi
Army Veteran Caster Salemi, 103, was honored by the Boston Red Sox as part of their “Hats Off to Heroes” program. A proud member of the Italian American War Veterans of the U.S., Salemi waved to a cheering Fenway Park crowd in celebration of his service during WWII and his Flag Day birthday.
Cheers to 100 Years, George Leo Silva
On June 29, Navy and Coast Guard Veteran George Leo Silva celebrated his 100th birthday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, surrounded by hundreds of guests. Silva, who served aboard the USS Atlanta during WWII and later braved Hurricane Carol while stationed in a New England lighthouse, marked the occasion by exchanging challenge coins with Salemi in a touching moment of Veteran brotherhood.
These living legends remind us that service doesn’t end with the uniform and that every birthday they celebrate is a victory for all of us.
Special thanks to Rhode Island News Today columnist and Veteran advocate John A. Cianci for continuing to highlight the stories of Rhode Island’s Veterans with the reverence and respect they deserve.
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Congratulations to these 3 heroes from Rhode Island. Not only for living past 100 but I thank them for their service to our country.
I am a Navy veteran served in the Vietnam War, for 2 deployments with the Seabees out of Davisville. I also served on the USS WASP (CVS -18) out of Quonset Point before it was decommissioned in ’73.
My dad was a Coast Guardsman in WW2, stationed on a Long Island lifeboat station and as a guard on Ellis Island.
Take care my friends, and may you have many more birthdays, until we all meet again at that River that flows by the Throne of God.
God bless these men and all of those that never came home. I will be 87 soon and I am thankful to all of those that gave their best to give me these past 87 years.
…interesting…all Italian last names! Thanks guys!
I had the honor and privilege of meeting and presenting Mr. Salemi with a Lifetime Membership in the Combat Infantrymen’s Association for service during WWII as an Infantryman.