On a crisp November morning, the town of Johnston gathered not only to honor veterans, but to celebrate the power of unity and compassionate leadership. At the heart of the day stood Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center and its Director of Admissions & Marketing, Maurizio Marchese, whose dedication has shaped the lives of veterans, seniors, and families throughout the region.
The Veterans Day Family Festival was more than an event it was a testament to what happens when a committed healthcare institution, community leaders, and residents come together. Co-hosted by Morgan and Harmony Hospice, led by Catherine Belisle, and supported by the Johnston Parks and Recreation Department’s Michael Bedrosian and Vincent Jackvony, the festival brought together elected officials, first responders, veterans, and families for a day of gratitude, ceremony, blessings, and music.
Opening Remarks: A Tone of Gratitude
Catherine Belisle began the program by centering the day’s meaning: honoring veterans, their
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State Senator Andrew Dimitri followed with a historical reflection on Veterans Day’s origins in Armistice Day. Many local veterans, he noted, grew up in Johnston, went to its schools, and later served the nation. “To all the veterans here today: we can never thank you enough.”
Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr. delivered one of the most emotional speeches of the day, acknowledging the challenges many veterans face post-service. He emphasized that true support comes from personal bonds: “These veterans aren’t just ranks or numbers they’re our family, our friends, our coworkers.”
Representative Deborah Fellela, Vice Chairwoman of the House Veterans Committee, honored her father, a World War II Navy pilot, and reminded the audience of the importance of recognizing veterans of all generations.
Councilwoman Lauren Garzone: A Personal Tribute
Councilwoman Lauren Garzone, now serving her third term representing District 2, shared the story of her father, Anthony Garzone, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. His service, she said, shaped her own commitment to public service and advocacy for veterans. “His patriotism was not just a value it was a calling.”
Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center: A Beacon of Excellence
A central focus of the festival was Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, renowned for its VA-contracted care and unwavering dedication to dignity and quality of life. Morgan is more than a healthcare facility it is an anchor of compassion in Johnston.
Under Administrator Robert Sechio and Director of Nurses Crystal Brown, Morgan has become a model of excellence. Their team provides care marked not only by professional skill but heartfelt human connection.
No figure embodies Morgan’s mission more clearly than Maurizio Marchese. Through his admissions leadership and community engagement, he has connected healthcare, veterans’ support, and civic life in transformative ways. Maurizio founded the Johnston Senior Provider Collaboration Committee (JSPCC), a network ensuring seniors receive the support and resources they need. His outreach extends to veterans, expecting mothers, children in under-resourced schools, and even refugees seeking a safe start in a new home.
Councilwoman Garzone captured his impact perfectly: “Maurizio shows us what real community leadership looks like. His compassion drives every effort, and his impact is felt not just in Johnston, but across Rhode Island.”
Honoring Veterans Through Action
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Councilwoman Linda Folcarelli, Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA), spoke about her organization’s century-long mission to support veterans and highlighted Morgan’s extraordinary care for her father, a World War II veteran. “The staff treated him, and all their residents, with compassion, respect, and genuine kindness.”
Recognizing First Responders and Heroes
When Maurizio Marchese addressed the crowd, he honored both veterans and first responders, speaking of his family’s military legacy and the meaning of service. He then awarded the Johnston Medal of Honor for Service to distinguished first responders, including:
• Lieutenant Michael Calise, Johnston Fire Department
• PVT Adam Pontbriant, Quonset Air National Guard
• PVT Thomas Balkun, 300th Military Police, Fort Riley, KS
• Major Thomas H. Dolan, US Army Reserve / RI Army National Guard / US Navy (Ret.) • Sergeant Joseph D. Anderson, RI Army National Guard
• LT. Steven Guilmette, Johnston Police Department (accepted by Chief Mark Vieira)
Ceremonial veteran hats were presented to:
Maurice Foisy (Army), Frank Garcia (Army), Mark Roby (Army/Marines), William McCance (Navy), Michael Rainone (Army), and Don Gendron (Army).
MSG John A. Cianci, State Commander of the Italian American War Veterans of the U.S., delivered a powerful reminder of the fragility of freedom, quoting Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Music, Ceremony, and Blessings
The Johnston Police and Fire Color Guard presented the colors with precision, while the Johnston High School Marching Band framed the event with patriotic music.
Father Richard Pastor offered blessings and prayers for veterans and their families, providing a spiritual moment of reflection that grounded the day in gratitude.
Closing Reflections
Retired Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Robert Lancia, a 100% disabled veteran and hospice chaplain with Harmony Hospice, closed the ceremony by speaking about resilience, sacrifice, and the unbreakable spirit of America’s veterans. “Veterans Day is more than a holiday it’s a chance for us to acknowledge the debt we owe to those who served.”
A Festival That Inspires
The Veterans Day Family Festival was a powerful demonstration of what community can accomplish when guided by compassion and leadership. Through the efforts of Morgan Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, Harmony Hospice, the Parks & Recreation Department, civic leaders, first responders, and volunteers, Johnston created a celebration worthy of its heroes.
From heartfelt speeches to ceremonial honors, from music to prayer, the town came together not just to say, “thank you,” but to live that gratitude through action. At the center of it all stood Maurizio Marchese, whose dedication ensures that veterans, first responders, and residents feel seen, valued, and honored not only on Veterans Day, but every day.
