A Century of Courage: Honoring Rhode Island’s WWII Veterans Still Making History

Jul 11, 2025 247

At VA Providence, we are honored to recognize three remarkable Rhode Island Veterans who exemplify the strength, sacrifice, and spirit of the Greatest Generation.

Happy 110th Birthday to Henry Polichetti

Born July 3, 1915, and now the oldest living man in the United States, Navy Veteran Henry Polichetti served as an instructor at several top-secret naval radio schools during WWII. Known as “the sailor who never went to sea,” his work helped track U-boats and train future naval operators during a pivotal moment in American history. Henry still lives in Cranston, RI, and recently celebrated this rare milestone with family, friends, and fellow Veterans.

Hats Off to Caster Salemi

At 103 years young, Army Veteran Caster Salemi was honored by the Boston Red Sox as part of their “Hats Off to Heroes” program. A proud member of the Italian American War Veterans of the U.S., Salemi waved to a cheering Fenway Park crowd in celebration of his service during WWII, and his Flag Day birthday.

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SOURCE: https://www.va.gov

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