Governor Maura Healey and other state leaders joined veterans, military families and advocates at the Massachusetts State House Hall of Flags on Nov. 11, 2024, for the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day ceremony, where officials highlighted recently enacted benefits and presented awards to longtime community volunteers and organizations.

Deputy Secretary Andrea Gail Bennett of the Executive Office of Veterans Services told attendees that "The HERO Act is a milestone in the Commonwealth's commitment to veterans." She said the law, signed Aug. 8, "improves veteran services in over 30 ways," and cited provisions that include a 25% increase to the disabled veteran annuity, an extension of the active duty service buyback program and reimbursement for veterans' behavioral health expenses.

"We are forever committed to investing in and supporting veterans in the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Governor Maura Healey said, praising recent improvements at the Chelsea Veterans Home and a rebuilt facility in Holyoke she said would soon house veterans. She thanked the Executive Office of Veterans Services and other state leaders for their work.

The program included the presentation of awards. The Tom Hudner Valor Award was presented to Marvin Howard of Agawam in recognition of his volunteer service at the Agawam Cemetery since 2003 and his years of military and community service. The Captain Thomas Kelly Community Engagement Award went to the Veterans Association of Bristol County; presenters noted the organization provides food and clothing to hundreds of veteran families each month and recently used a veterans community initiative grant to purchase a new van for outreach.

Andrew McCauley, president and CEO of the New England Center and Home for Veterans, delivered the keynote and used a personal example to emphasize outreach. Of a veteran he knew, McCauley said, "I wish he'd connected with and accessed the benefits... including health care," and urged the audience to encourage veterans to use the services they have earned.

Event organizers noted there are "almost 300,000" veterans in the Commonwealth, and the program included ceremonial observances — the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and musical tributes — and a Junior ROTC drill exhibition by Lynn English cadets. The ceremony closed with a musical salute and a formal conclusion of the program.

No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the event; it was a commemorative program and series of remarks, awards and performances.