BOSTON — In observance of Memorial Day, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Dr. Eric Goralnick, Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services and Deputy Secretary Susan Terrey, Executive office of Public Safety and Security joined the Massachusetts National Guard to honor the lives and legacies of fallen military service members during a ceremony held May 26 at Memorial Hall in the Massachusetts State House.
The annual Massachusetts Memorial Day Ceremony, attended by veterans, military families, elected officials, and members of the public, included the presentations of the Purple Heart Medal and two of the state’s highest military honors, the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty and the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity.
The ceremony began with a procession, presentation of the colors, and the National Anthem performed by the 215th Army Band, followed by remarks from Governor Healey and Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard.
In her remarks, Governor Healey said: “All the freedoms, the opportunities, the dreams we have. We enjoy all of those today because of the sacrifice of our service members…Heroes in every generation, through decades, through centuries, step forward for a cause greater than themselves, sacrificed their freedom to protect ours. They are the true keepers of our revolutionary legacy. Your loved ones, their names belong in the history books up there with the men and women of Lexington and Concord. We owe them everything, and we owe them more than we can ever repay.”
She continued, “It’s a great opportunity to pay tribute to service members who gave their lives for our country and to offer a token of our state’s immeasurable gratitude to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as to those who serve, including those who serve today and their families.”
“The Massachusetts National Guard has long played a vital role in protecting and supporting communities across the Commonwealth, both at home and abroad,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Security Susan Terrey. “This ceremony is an opportunity to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in defense of our nation, while also recognizing the families whose strength and resilience continue to inspire all of us.”
“I want you to know that the families, you’re the reason that Memorial Day exists. The most important thing we can do is help you tell the stories of your loved ones, of their sacrifice, and of the resiliency of each family that has lost a loved one” said Maj. Gen. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. “Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your resiliency. Thank you for being here today to let us honor your loved one.”
“I want to thank you for making sure that everyone learns the story of your loved one and how they perished, but above all, how they had the character, traits, and values instilled in them by your families to answer that call to take that oath to the Constitution and defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” said Maj. Gen. Keefe. “That, combined with their character and willingness to do what’s right at any cost, is what makes this country great. But above all, that’s what protects our Constitution and keeps it a beacon for the rest of the world,”
During the ceremony, Maj. Robert J. Brandt, Massachusetts National Guard, was presented the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered while deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.
As part of the program, the Massachusetts National Guard presented the Medal of Liberty, awarded to the next of kin of service members who were killed in action or died in service under combat-related conditions.
Presented the Medal of Liberty on behalf of their family members were:
Richard G. Baritz, in honor of Pfc. Harry Baritz, World War II
Edmund G. Colson in honor of Staff Sgt. Charles A. Colson, World War II
Richard P. Peristere, in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Victor Peristere, World War II
Jim Poirier, in honor of Pvt. Paul R. Poirier, Training/Fort Dix, NJ
Anthony F. Donovan, in honor of Pfc. Francis J. Donovan, World War II
Nora Ordwa, in honor of 2nd Lt. William D. Ordway, Vietnam
Maureen Vereque, in honor of Airmen 2nd Class Joseph E. Sheehan, Cold War
The ceremony also recognized recipients of the Medal of Fidelity, a distinction established by state law to honor service members or veterans who died as the result of invisible wounds, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or exposure to harmful substances during their service.
Presented the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity on behalf of their family members were:
Master Sgt. (Ret.) Linda F. Blackwell, in honor of Master Sgt. Legrant Blackwell, Vietnam
Mary C. Connelly in honor of Cpl. Paul V. Connelly, Vietnam
Carole I. Costa, in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Howard T. Costa, Vietnam
Donna Lee, in honor of Pfc Walter B. Lee, Vietnam
JoAnn C. Doughty, in honor of Petty Officer 2nd Class Gene P. Doughty Vietnam
The program concluded with the playing of service songs in tribute to Massachusetts’ fallen heroes and a reception for attendees.
