Iwo Jima veteran Al Richards of Woburn (right) shook hands with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who received the Marine Corps League's Gung Ho Community Service Award on Wednesday. [Photo: Chris Van Buskirk/SHNS]

Massachusetts to recognize Memorial Day with series of virtual events

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The Baker-Polito Administration will recognize Memorial Day this year in a virtual format, enabling the Commonwealth to continue to honor members of the military who have sacrificed for our country.

The series of events will kick off with virtual observances at the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22 respectively, followed by a coordinated statewide lighting of buildings, bridges, flags and parks on Sunday, May 24, and concluding with a Memorial Day program that will air on Monday, May 25.

“We are deeply grateful to all service members past and present who bravely served our country, and as we mark Memorial Day, we pay special tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to protect us and ensure our freedom,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “During this difficult time, it is important that we honor and remember them, and share our gratitude and deep respect for their courage.”

“This year we will honor the lives of the brave men and women who died while serving the country in a different, but equally special way,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “These virtual remembrances ensure we pay tribute to the Commonwealth’s military community and our veterans, and we encourage all residents to participate as we honor their service and sacrifice.”

“Memorial Day is sacred for our fellow service members, veterans and families – in particular, Gold Star Families – as we collectively remember those we’ve lost. Freedom is not free, and the eternal valor of our fallen brothers and sisters allows us to live in peace,” said Veterans’ Services Secretary Francisco Ureña.

Overview of Memorial Day virtual events:
– Thursday, May 21 – Chelsea Soldiers’ Home virtual observance will be streamed on the Home’s Facebook page at 5pm Thursday. The program will be available on their Facebook page on demand following the stream. https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaSoldiersHome/
– Friday, May 22 – Holyoke Soldiers’ Home virtual observance will be streamed on the Home’s Facebook page at 5pm Friday. The program will be available on their Facebook page on demand following the stream. https://www.facebook.com/watch/HolyokeSoldiersHome/
– Sunday, May 24 – Buildings, bridges, flags and parks to be illuminated in gold to honor Gold Star Families on the evening of Sunday, May 24 in observance of Memorial Day. The Department of Veterans’ Services has partnered with MassDOT, building managers and Veteran Service Organizations across the state to invite communities to light up prominent structures on the eve of Memorial Day. Locations listed below.
– Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Ceremony, with speakers and musical performers from across the Commonwealth, remarks by Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito, Legislative leaders, and a special “Tribute to the Fallen” by the Massachusetts National Guard. This program will stream on mass.gov/MemorialDay and on participating TV stations and digital channels on Monday, May 25.

Visit mass.gov/MemorialDay and follow #MemorialDayMA on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information on this year’s virtual programs.

Buildings, bridges, flags, and parks to be illuminated Sunday Night, May 24:
Agawam – Military Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam
Arlington Town Hall
Beverly Department of Public Works Building
Boston:
Boston City Hall
Government Center, Boston
Prudential Tower, Boston
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Boston
Cambridge City Hall
Chelsea:
Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea
Locations throughout the community
Dracut Revolutionary Monument
Easton Veterans Memorial Park
Essex Town Hall
Fall River Government Center Building
Georgetown Town Hall
Holyoke – Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke
Ipswich Town Hall
Kingston Town Hall
Lawrence Canal Street Bridge
Leominster Veterans Memorial Center
Ludlow Town Hall
Marshfield Veterans Memorial Park
Medford City Hall
Melrose Memorial Hall
New Bedford:
New Bedford City Hall
Elm Street Garage
Newbury Town Hall
Norton Town Hall
Palmer Town Hall
Pittsfield City Hall
Rowley Town Hall
Saugus Town Hall
Scituate Town Common
Sharon Fire Department
Stoneham Town Common
Swansea Town Hall
Watertown Flag Pole
Wenham Town Hall
West Newbury Town Hall
Westfield Town Green
Westford Town Hall
Winchendon – Military Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon
Woburn City Hall
Worcester – Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge

This list is current as of 9am Thursday – additional communities will be listed on mass.gov/MemorialDay.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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