The Salvation Army Helps in Connecticut and Rhode Island - National Salvation Army Week is May 13 to May 19, 2013

TSA Week 2013 (Denise Ravelo, whose family benefited from Salvation Army programs and who is now entering a training program to become a Salvation Army officer, speaks of her experiences during ceremonies.)

City flag-raising Honors
National Salvation Army Week

(Article from City of Pawtucket.)

PAWTUCKET - With a proclamation from the city by Mayor Donald R. Grebien and a special citation praising its work from Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, a flag-raising ceremony was held Monday, May 13 at City Hall to honor the Pawtucket Corps of the Salvation Army, declaring May 13-19 as National Salvation Army Week in Pawtucket.

Other dignitaries attending included City Councilor Mark Wildenhain and local architect Dana Newbrook, who designed the recent major renovations at the Pawtucket Corps headquarters on High Street.

Capt. Persida Sanclemente in her remarks spoke of the Salvation Army’s work and mission, and Lisa Dandeneau, who chairs the organization’s board of advisors, spoke of the long dedication to the community of the Pawtucket Corps, founded in the city in 1894. Capt. Leonardo Sanclemente gave the benediction to a crowd of supporters and well-wishers in City Hall.

(From left, Capt. Persida Sanclemente holding a proclamation from Mayor Donald R. Grebien, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, Capt. Leo Sanclemente holding a citation from Kilmartin, and Lisa Dandeneau, advisory board chair.)

In his remarks, Attorney General Kilmartin, a Pawtucket native and former city police officer, noted he had personally seen the Pawtucket Corps’ positive impact on the local community for many years through a wide range of charitable and youth activities and other good works. Kilmartin said the Army’s numerous programs are not a handout but “a hand up.”

Grebien in the city’s proclamation noted that the Salvation Army “remains true to the passion of its founder, William Booth, for redeeming souls, and through its holistic ministry and programs for housing, youth camps, disaster relief, elderly services and many others, provides a guiding light for changing peoples’ lives, within the shining principle of ‘Doing the Most Good.’” He also praised “the able and compassionate guidance of Captains Persida and Leonardo Sanclemente” for their leadership role in the Pawtucket Corps’many achievements.

The gathering moved to the front of City Hall for the raising of the Salvation Army flag, as performed by Pawtucket Police Officers Joseph Skahan and Percy Smith. The Salvation Army Canteen, a familiar sight at fire scenes and other major incidents, was on hand to serve refreshments.

The first National Salvation Army Week was declared by President Eisenhower in 1954.

Bristol Mayor Helps Celebrate
National Salvation Army Week

BRISTOL – Mayor Arthur J. Ward, standing in front of City Hall, reading a proclamation to celebrate National Salvation Army Week, which is May 13 to May 19. Members from The Salvation Army in Bristol, Connecticut gathered with Mayor Ward to listen to a proclamation and raise The Salvation Army “Blood and Fire” flag to fly above City Hall during this week’s celebration.

National Salvation Army Week is May 13 to May 19, 2013

During his presidency, Dwight D. Eisenhower stated, "Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood… their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all."

The week of November 18 - December 4, 1954 was declared by the United Stated Congress and proclaimed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the first National Salvation Army Week. Today, the dates have changed, but the work of The Salvation Army that was recognized has not - to serve those in need without discrimination.

(Arthur J. Ward, Mayor of Bristol, Connecticut, reading a proclamation in front of City Hall last year to celebrate National Salvation Army Week with Bristol Corps Officer, Captain Charles Adams.)

To The Salvation Army, National Salvation Army week is a time for us to thank all of our generous donors and volunteers who allow us to accomplish all that we do. Without their support, we would not be able to provide the wide array of programs and services that include: food for the hungry, gifts and counsel to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance to the disabled, early childhood learning centers, camping programs for youth, seniors and veterans and much more, 365 days a year.

As one of the largest charitable and service organization in the world, The Salvation Army has been dispensing aid, without discrimination, to those in need since 1865. Begun by William Booth, a renowned evangelical minister, the Army's first beginnings were in the East End of London. As the Army flourished, it spread to other cities as Booth preached hope and salvation for the desperately poor and downtrodden. The work of The Salvation Army today is still based on William Booth's teachings and continues his mission and service principles which are motivated by love for God and mankind.

In 2001, President George W. Bush issued a new proclamation recognizing the week, stating: “During this week, I encourage Americans to express their appreciation for the Salvation Army's good works and to follow their example of serving a cause greater than themselves.”

Today, Salvation Army’s operating units, along with volunteers, businesses, and government, celebrate National Salvation Army Week through a variety of special events and activities across the country. Stay tuned to this page for additional details on events happening throughout the Southern New England Division, which encompasses Connecticut and Rhode Island.