To the Editor,

I am writing this letter as a response to and affirmation of the letter from Ken Dooley recently  published in the Beacon and to express my deep appreciation for the outstanding work carried out by The Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Foundation. The Foundation has been particularly attentive in perpetuating and celebrating Rhode Island's rich history.

 As commander of The Pawtuxet Ranger’s historic militia, it is my job to ensure our mission of perpetuating the colonial history of Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, Cranston, Rhode Island, and the United States is fulfilled.  Through the grants received from the Foundation, we have been able to meet or mission consistently. The grants received have included funds to preserve our historic armory in Pawtuxet. We have received grants from the Foundation to revive Rhode Island Statehood Day. Statehood Day celebrates Rhode Island’s ratification of the Constitution, becoming the 13th and last of the original states to ratify the historic document.

The Foundation provided funding to the Pawtuxet Village Association to digitize the village newspaper called “The Bridge”. The grant of $6,300 now allows the newspaper issues to be accessed on-line. The “Bridge”, besides presenting news of the area, is one of the premiere resources for all things historical in and around Pawtuxet.

 The Foundation not only supports historical efforts but also a wide array of other initiatives. Past recipients include Save The Bay, Southeast New England Film, Music and Arts Festival, the Rhode Island Slave History Medallion program, and the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame. These are just a few of the recipients that have benefitted from the generous support the Foundation has provided.

In summary, the Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Foundation has been an integral part of Rhode Island’s fabric. They are champions of all things Rhode Island and I have no doubt they will continue to be for many years to come.

Col. Ron Barnes

Commanding Officer

Pawtuxet Rangers, RIHM 1774