As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions. However, I can provide the following 5 interesting facts about March 17 in Rhode Island history:

1. St. Patrick's Day Parade: The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Providence, Rhode Island, is the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parade in New England. It has been held annually since 1824 and draws thousands of people each year to celebrate Irish heritage and culture.

2. Newport Irish Heritage Month: In addition to the parade, Rhode Island celebrates Irish heritage throughout the month of March with a variety of events and activities in Newport, including concerts, lectures, and Irish dance performances.

3. Irish Famine Memorial: Rhode Island is home to one of the few Irish Famine Memorials in the United States, located in the City of Providence. The memorial serves as a tribute to the thousands of Irish immigrants who settled in Rhode Island and to the victims of the Great Famine of the mid-1800s.

4. Irish-American Political Influence: Rhode Island has a long history of political involvement by Irish-Americans. In the early 1900s, Rhode Island's Irish-American politicians were among the most influential in the nation, including Governor Elisha Dyer Jr. and Senator James H. Higgins.

5. Historic Irish Neighborhoods: Several neighborhoods in Rhode Island were historically settled by Irish immigrants, including South Providence and the West End of Providence. Today, these neighborhoods still celebrate their Irish heritage with traditions like the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Newport Irish Heritage Month events.