PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It was an emotional evening as veterans shared memories from their military service. The Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative hosted its annual "Veteran Voices" Wednesday night. Veterans spent the evening expressing their feelings through stories, poetry and song. "In many cases, people bottle up challenging experiences — things that have kind of bruised them inside and out," said Mark Santow, director of the Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative. Santow was inspired to devote his time to helping veterans because his father served in the military. The Providence Clemente Veterans Initiative, along with Trinity Rep, has been hosting this event for the past four years. For Santow, it's all about creating a safe space. "It's always nice to be seen and heard," he said. "It makes you feel less alone." Kasim Yarn, director of Rhode Island's Office of Veteran Services, told 12 News that events like this one allow him to identify what resources are most needed. "Everyone's service matters," Yarn said. "To bring some of those issues off the battle field home — this gives them strategies to cope with those things and their families, too." Learn More: Providence Clemente Veterans Iniatitive Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW