2025 Memorial Day Remembrance

On May 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., a Memorial Day service was held at the Exeter Veterans Cemetery.

The service also commemorated the completion of the monument restoration project that the Rhode Island Korean Association has been working on for the past two years. Korean War veterans were invited to the event, along with President Angela Sharkey, Chairman Heonjo Park, Treasurer Sun Kang, Building Committee Chairman Bongsup Cho, and members of the Korean Association. Additionally, Jeongyueol Kwak, the newly appointed Vice Consul General of the Boston Consulate, attended the event.

Chapter 3 Commander Richard Mende, a representative of the veterans, Vice Consul General Kwak Jeongyueol, and President Angela Sharkey laid flowers at the monument. Jacob Hwang led the singing of the U.S. National Anthem.  Everyone in attendance joined in singing “America the Beautiful” to conclude the service.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. At the newly restored monument, everyone paid their respects with a moment of silence, recalling the dedicated achievements and noble sacrifices of the veterans who died on the battlefield and praying for the souls of the fallen heroes to rest in peace.

After the memorial service, attendees had lunch at Gregg Restaurant in North Kingstown.

KAARI President Angela Sharkey

Vice Consul Jung-yeoul Kwak

KAARI President Angela Sharkey, KWVA Commender Richard Mende, Vice Consul Jung-yeoul Kwak

KAARI Members