PORTSMOUTH — Jason Roomes has family members listed on the monument bearing the names of soldiers for the 1st Rhode Island Regiment at Patriots Park. 

On Sunday, Aug. 25, he’ll have the honor of speaking about them.

Roomes will be the guest speaker during the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Newport’s 56th annual “Black Regiment” Monument Commemoration Ceremony at the park, which is located at the intersection of routes 138 and 24. The ceremony starts at 3 p.m.

The event is dedicated in honor and appreciation of the members of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment — also known as the “Black Regiment” — who fought so bravely in the Battle of Rhode Island to gain a decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War. 

Father Kevin Beesley, rector at St. John the Evangelist Church in Newport, will be the master of ceremonies. He is a member of the Standing Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, chaplain for the Newport Police and Fire departments, and a commissioner of the Newport Housing Authority. 

Fern W. Lima, coordinator of the Black Regiment Monument Commemoration Ceremony Committee, will offer welcoming remarks. James I. “Jimmy” Winters, president of the NAACP-Newport, will also speak.

Minister Veronica Mays will deliver the invocation and benediction. Charles Levesque and Kasim J. Yarn, of the Black Regiment Monument Commission, will also share remarks. Musical selections will be provided by Brenda Delasanta.

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Fern Lima 401/855-0995, or Jimmy Winters at 774/360-7737.