The celebration, held Nov. 7, drew veterans and community members to the downtown riverfront. Organizers said the event is designed both to honor military service and to link attendees with practical support.

Stretching across several streets, the Veterans Resource Fair offered information from a range of providers, including the Providence VA Regional Benefits office and the University of Rhode Island's Military and Veteran Education program, among others.

U.S. Air Force veteran Sarah Laplante, who attended with her son, described the recognition as meaningful. "It's a great privilege to be able to support and be a part of this," Laplante said.

Juan Pichardo, also an Air Force veteran, echoed that sentiment. "It's always truly special to be honored by WaterFire," he said.

Beyond the resource tables, the event featured a model replica of the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial planned for installation in Providence, giving attendees a preview of the tribute to come. A separate table was dedicated to honoring fallen, missing and imprisoned service members.

The Salute to Veterans has become a fixture on the city's fall calendar, and Saturday's gathering marked the last full lighting of the season — the final time this year that all of WaterFire's braziers were lit along the rivers.

For a state with a sizable veteran population, the pairing of a public celebration with on-the-ground services reflects a broader effort to make sure those who served can find benefits, education support and community connections in one place.

Information about future WaterFire events is available through the organization's website.