Colonel Ron Barnes, commander of the Pawtuxet Rangers R.I.M., will become the next Commander of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands in a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at Bushnell Park in Hartford, Conn. A short parade precedes the Change of Command Ceremony. The event is free and the public is welcome. 

Col. Barnes assumed command of the Pawtuxet Rangers R.I.M. in 2004 and has been a member for 28 years. He was instrumental in obtaining a copy of the original Pawtuxet Rangers charter and organizing historical displays in the Rangers Armory in Warwick. 

The Centennial Legion was organized on July 4, 1876, in Philadelphia, at the Centennial Celebration of the founding of the United States of America. Among its purposes is to carry on the patriotic motives of the military commands of the 13 original colonies.

The members, consisting of 88 historic military units, pledge to keep alive their ancient traditions and preserve the records of their military achievements. They maintain original uniforms, meet regularly, participate in parades and ceremonies, all to foster patriotism and keep history alive. 

Besides these groups, Col. Barnes is also a member of the Mass. Society of the Cincinnati, The RI Sons of the American Revolution, The RI Sons of the Revolution, The RI Society of Colonial Wars, The Military Order of Foreign Wars, Nathanael Greene Homestead, Warwick Historical Society and an associate member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in memory of his father.  

The Rangers were chartered in 1774 to protect the village of Pawtuxet (Cranston/Warwick line) in Rhode Island. The primary mission of the company today is to perpetuate history by participating in school programs, parades, battle reenactments, encampments, ceremonial programs and more. Our group consists of people with an interest in history, music, clothing, cooking and more. For more information, go to pawtuxetrangers.com.