Healey presents state medals, proclaims Memorial Day at State House ceremony

Governor Maura Healey presented Massachusetts’ Medals of Liberty and Fidelity to the next of kin of service members killed in wartime or who later died from service-related illnesses and proclaimed May 20, 2025, as Memorial Day at a ceremony in the Executive Chamber of the State House on Tuesday.

The event brought together state leaders, including First Lady Joanna Lydgate, Lieutenant Governor Kimberly Driscoll and Adjutant General Major General Gary W. Keefe, alongside military officers and gold star families to honor those who died in service and to recognize ongoing state efforts for veterans.

The governor told attendees that the ceremony was part of a broader obligation to remember the sacrifices of service members: "we must never forget what our fallen heroes, their families, their veteran comrades have given to us." Chaplain Ziegler delivered the invocation, asking the crowd to "always honor their memory and remember the sacrifices that they have made on our behalf. In your holy name, we pray. Amen."

Secretary of Veterans Services John Santiago said his office and state partners are guided by families’ experiences and pledged continued support: "our office, our legislative colleagues, our governor, our first lady, our lieutenant governor, our guard here support you and as long as we're here we will always have your back." Lt. Gov. Kimberly Driscoll and Major General Keefe also spoke about the meaning of Memorial Day and the state’s responsibility to veterans and their families.

At the ceremony the state presented the Medal of Liberty and the Medal of Fidelity. The Medal of Liberty, created by state law and signed during a prior administration, is given to the next of kin of Commonwealth service members who were killed in action, died of wounds received in action, died in a designated combat area while in the line of duty, or died as a result of a training accident in the line of duty. The state read the names of recipients and called family members forward to accept the medals.

Medal of Liberty recipients named at the ceremony included: First Class James E. Palmeri (Shelburne Falls) — accepted by Judy Richardson; First Lieutenant John H. Mahoney (South Hadley) — accepted by William Mahoney; Private First Class Lloyd W. Sales (Bedford) — accepted by William Joseph Sales; and Private Arthur Sharon (World War II) — accepted by Keith Visow.

The Medal of Fidelity, established by later state action and noted at the ceremony as signed by a previous governor, recognizes Commonwealth service members or veterans whose deaths the state attributes to service‑connected illnesses or exposures, including combat‑related post‑traumatic stress disorder or exposure to harmful toxins or radiological agents. Recipients named included Radio Man Petty Officer Second Class Harland H. Wells (Peabody) — accepted by Carol Wells; Specialist Robert S. Gronkowski (Peabody) — accepted by Adam Gronkowski; Private Philip Flavin (Concord) — accepted by John Flavin; Gunnery Sergeant Alexander McGurk (Framingham) — accepted by Diana Williams; Sergeant Michael C. Anderson (Lynn) — accepted by Paula Anderson; and Machinist Mate Third Class John Casey Anewicz (Stoughton) — accepted by Joanne Winkler.

Speakers also highlighted ongoing state veterans priorities cited during remarks, including rebuilding the veterans’ homes in Chelsea and Holyoke and efforts to reduce veteran homelessness. Healey referenced the state’s recent ranking among top states for military retirees and framed the day in the context of the nation’s 250th anniversary: "This year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution," she said, calling the Revolutionary generation’s sacrifices part of a continuing legacy.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction and the departure of the official party. Attendees were invited to a reception in Nurses' Hall following the event.