Governor Donald L. Carcieri cut the ribbon and officially opened the new “George Panichas Administration Building” and the information kiosk at the Rhode Island Veterans’ Cemetery in Exeter today. Senator Jack Reed and Congressmen Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin joined the Governor at the dedication ceremony.

George Panichas is a former World War II Air Force Combat Tailgunner who completed fifty missions over enemy occupied Europe. He is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Veterans Affairs and serves as the Chairperson of the Oversight Subcommittee for the Veterans’ Cemetery.

“It is imperative that we ensure that our courageous veterans have a fitting place to be honored for their patriotism and for the sacrifices they have made on our behalf,” said Governor Carcieri. “George Panichas served his country in World War II and continues to serve his fellow veterans in Rhode Island. He is most deserving of this honor.”

The federal Department of Veterans Affairs allocated $5.7 million to enhance the Veterans’ Cemetery. Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation was instrumental in securing approval of the funding. The funds were used to build the new administration building, install an information kiosk, and make roadway improvements. Funds also supported expansion of the cemetery, including 2,300 full-casket burial sites, 600 in-ground cremation sites, and 623 columbarium niches for cremation remains.

“I come from a military family and take my responsibility for the Division of Veterans Affairs very seriously,” said Adelita Orefice, Deputy Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “We at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services are proud to support and assist the Division of Veterans’ Affairs in providing the respect and dignity that our heroes, the veterans, deserve.”

Paul B. McFarland, Director of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs National Cemetery also spoke at the dedication ceremony.

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