PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — A headstone dedication ceremony was held Friday in Pawtucket to honor a World War II sergeant eight decades after he died. Raymond W. Flynn was killed in the line of duty in Normandy, France, in 1944. He was reburied at St. Francis Cemetery in 1948, but did not have a formal service or headstone—that is, until Nov. 15, 2024. "In a fight to bring freedom to Europe, even today, all these years later, this is extremely important for our country, and for your community to be here as well," Col. Daniel Collins of the Virginia 29th Infantry Division said. Before heading to France, Flynn served as a patrolman with the Providence Police Department in 1938. In 1941, he was transferred to the traffic division, just as the United States was drawn into war following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Flynn answered the call to defend his country and joined the Army. He eventually led a machine gun squad in the 175th Infantry 29th Division and was promoted to staff sergeant. Members of the Providence Police Department and the local community attended the ceremony, saying that Flynn's legacy will live on. A flag will remain at the police station as a symbol of sacrifice to inspire the next generation of officers. "Who gave so much to this country and this city," Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said. "To us, it touches me and touches many others here—the men and women of the Providence Police Department." Flynn's remains now lie in his homeland, next to those of a long-distance cousin. READ ALSO | ‘A restoration of dignity’: Cremains of Pawtucket Civil War soldier buried a century after death Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW