A proponent told the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs he supports Senate Bill S2499, which would authorize an appropriate marker at the State House recognizing Medal of Honor recipients from the "War on Terror."

Rich Barbato, testifying virtually, asked the committee to authorize design, fabrication and placement of a marker honoring three individuals he named as Medal of Honor recipients from recent conflicts. Barbato said the marker would "stand as a testament that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts honors those who, in service of the Commonwealth and our great nation, have received the highest honor our country can bestow for valor on the battlefield," and asked the committee to consider timing the recognition for Memorial Day 2026.

Barbato cited prior state action creating commemorative plaques for Massachusetts Medal of Honor recipients and noted the commonwealth ranks highly in Medal of Honor recipients historically. Committee members thanked him for the testimony and did not take action at the hearing.