R.I. Gen. Laws § 25-2-60: Gold Star Spouses Day.

The fifth day in April in each and every year shall be set aside as a day to be known as “Rhode Island Gold Star Spouses Day.” This nation and state owe an enormous debt to the surviving loved ones of military service members who died while serving their country and this day offers remembrance for the spouses and their families and a time of recognition of their sacrifices. The day is to be observed by the people of this state with appropriate exercises in public places, and shall cause a display of the state and American flags to be flown at half-staff over the Rhode Island state house to commemorate this day of remembrance to honor their memory.