Reps. Giannino and Turco Join With Their Colleagues in the Legislature To Remember Our Fallen Service Members

Special to the Journal

The Massachusetts Legislature is proud to join the rest of the nation to recognize and honor the sacrifices of our fallen men and women of the Armed Services. The Memorial Day Holiday allows each of us as Americans, and citizens of the Commonwealth, to reflect on the selflessness and courage of our fallen heroes who have given their lives in defense of our freedom.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, was proclaimed a holiday in 1868 and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Today, we use this solemn day to honor over one million men and women who have died defending our country since 1861.

“Memorial Day is an opportunity to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country and their loved ones,” said Governor Maura Healey. “While we can never fully repay their sacrifice, we show our gratitude by ensuring that Massachusetts is a community of support for military service members, veterans and their families.”

“Memorial Day solemnly reminds us of the price of freedom, achieved through the unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice of our service-members,” stated Secretary Jon Santiago. “Let us reflect on their contributions, uphold their ideals, and lead with action. The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains steadfast in its commitment to honorably serve veterans, and we look forward to working with Chairs Velis and Cassidy to best serve our military community.”

“On Memorial Day, we honor the US servicemen and women who have died protecting this country,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “We thank them and their families’ for their sacrifice, knowing that while we will never be able to repay them, we must never forget their indelible service.”

“Today we remember our fallen heroes and honor their legacy by continuing to uphold the values and freedoms for which they fought,” said Representative Gerry Cassidy, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs. “We will never forget their ultimate sacrifice.”

“The respect and admiration we give our fallen pay tribute to their memory and the lives they lived. To truly honor their lives, we must share their stories with others and ensure their memories live on even though they are gone,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) “By sharing their stories, we keep their memories alive and give others a glimpse of military service that aims to inspire them to create a better world, stronger nation and kinder communities.”

“America and much of the world are free today because of the selfless sacrifice of the American soldier.  All over the world, the graves of our soldiers serve as a reminder of the greatness of the United States and the valor and heroism of our soldiers who bravely and willingly gave all so that we may be free.  On Memorial Day and all days, I join with my fellow citizens to remember the 1.1 million soldiers who died for our country.  May God continue to bless them.”  Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop).

“Those who raise their hand to serve in our armed forces do so knowing full well that they may not return home. Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who have made that ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans & Federal Affairs. “It is on us – as a Commonwealth – to honor their service, and to recognize the sacrifices of their families as well.”

Flags in the Commonwealth will be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day.