Local hero's memorial restored At 26 years old, Cranston native and U.S. Navy LTJG Edward B. Shaw was serving in his nation in Vietnam. He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea on Sept. 5, 1965, when he piloted a Douglas Attack
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At 26 years old, Cranston native and U.S. Navy LTJG Edward B. Shaw was serving in his nation in Vietnam.
He was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea on Sept. 5, 1965, when he piloted a Douglas Attack Skyraider as part of a reconnaissance mission.
Then, tragedy struck. Shaw’s plane was struck by anti-aircraft fire and went down over the South China Sea. His remains were never recovered.
Shaw’s hometown honored his service and sacrifice with the placement of a plaque on a traffic island at the intersection of Poplar and Garden City drives. The plaque was unveiled during a ceremony on Veterans Day in 1980.
But late last year – in fact, 38 years to the day after its unveiling – the plaque went missing. Local media, including the Cranston Herald, publicized the theft, although no leads emerged as to who might have taken it and for what purpose.
Now, through a collaborative effort between city and federal officials, a new plaque has been placed at the site in Shaw’s memory. Family members of the pilot were among those present Monday morning as the new memorial was unveiled and dedicated.
“We’re proud to be here this morning to re-dedicate the memorial to this Cranston hero,” Mayor Allan Fung told those gathered. “Memorials like this are … a link to the past, and enable our residents, and most importantly, family members, to remember the historic sacrifices of individuals like LTJG Shaw.”
The mayor thanked U.S. Sen. Jack Reed’s office for its role in restoring the memorial, and also recognized the work of Leanne Zarrella, the city’s director of constituent affairs. Citywide Councilman Ken Hopkins and Ward 2 Councilman Paul McAuley were present for the ceremony.
Family members view the memorial as Shaw’s final resting place. His sister Mary Shaw planted the flowers at the stone, and his first cousin Brenda Myette, who also lives in the neighborhood, waters them faithfully.
“This is our burial place,” Myette said.
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