VIDEO: Throngs Rally in Support of War Memorial

Woonsocket Mayor Leo Fontaine told a crowd of more than a thousand people about the history of the Place Jolicoeur Memorial Wednesday afternoon.

The crowd gathered at Woonsocket Fire Department Headquarters for a rally organized to answer a challenge demanding removal of religious symbols from the Place Jolicoeur memorial and Fire Department website.

WPRO's John DePetro was the master of ceremonies for a long list of dignataries, including Mayor Leo Fontaine and Retired RI Adjutant General Reginald Centracchio.

Fontaine spoke about the sacrifice and loss of the Jolicoeur and Gagne families, and the perseverance of Mrs. Gagne, who, after losing three sons, dedicated herself to veterans groups and the community.

Fontaine said the stories have reinforced his resolve to fight to keep the memorial in place and untouched. The crowd showed their approval of the statement with a strong round of applause.