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Massachusetts marks Military Appreciation Day as officials highlight veterans homes, HERO Act and service
Summary
State leaders gathered in the historic House Chamber to honor veterans and Gold Star families. Officials credited recent investments in veterans homes, cited the HERO Act, and praised volunteer and service networks that support veterans statewide.
Nearly a hundred people filled the historic House Chamber at the Massachusetts State House for the state’s second annual Military Appreciation Day, where officials from across state government and the military honored current service members, veterans and Gold Star families.
Andrea Gail Bennett, deputy secretary for the Executive Office of Veteran Services, opened the ceremony and invited Gold Star representatives to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Bennett introduced Eric Guralnick, secretary of the Executive Office of Veteran Services, who thanked legislators and volunteers and said he had spent his first 90 days "listening" and touring veteran-serving programs across the Commonwealth.
"This is the second Military Appreciation Day of the Commonwealth," Guralnick said, and he highlighted local veteran service organizations and volunteer efforts that provide food, clothing and outreach. He credited the Administration and the Legislature with work to transform the state’s veterans homes and to pass what he and other speakers described as the HERO Act, legislation they said expands support for veterans.
Governor Maura Healey thanked honorees and their families, described the new cabinet-level veterans secretariat and said the administration has pursued programs to reduce veterans' homelessness and rebuild veterans homes. "For our country, for our world, know that what you do, that ethos of working together, of staying together... is super, super important," the governor said, thanking service members and the community.
Brigadier General Chris Hackler, the event’s keynote speaker and a senior commander in the U.S. Army, reflected on leadership, sacrifice and the role families play in sustaining service members. He described service as a lifelong commitment and urged continued public recognition of veterans.
Organizers read a long roll call of honorees nominated by state senators and representatives. Speakers at different points cited slightly different totals for honorees—one noted "more than 135" veterans being honored, another said "138"—a discrepancy reflected in the event transcript.
The ceremony closed with an invitation for honorees to gather outside the chamber for a group photo and refreshments provided by the Military Friends Foundation. Staff directed attendees as the governor and invited guests exited the chamber.
