First MA 'Veterans Week' Surrounds Veterans Day 2023

MASSACHUSETTS — The state will host its first "Veterans Week" ahead of Veterans Day in 2023 following the elevation of the veterans secretary into a cabinet position in the governor's office.

Here's what state officials are doing to celebrate the first veterans week, according to the state Executive Offices of Veterans Services:

Monday, Nov. 6

• Governor Healey, and Secretary Jon Santiago and Senate President Karen Spilka formally Appoint Members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans Governor Maura T. Healey will swear in 25 members of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Services (GVAC) and 16 members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Women Veterans (WVAC).
• The Executive Office of Veterans Services unveils the “Many Faces of Veterans” Exhibit in Memorial Hall at the Massachusetts State House. The exhibit aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and contributions Massachusetts veterans have made to the Commonwealth and the nation.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

• Secretary Santiago speaks at a veteran luncheon with veterans from Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Merrimac, in Amesbury.
• Secretary Santiago speaks at the We Remember Our Veterans ceremony in Dedham.

Thursday, Nov. 9

• Secretary Santiago speaks at the Salute to Veterans Breakfast in Danvers.
• Secretary Santiago speaks at the 8th Annual Veterans Day Breakfast in Haverhill.
• Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett speaks at the Belmonte STEAM Academy Veterans Day Ceremony in Saugus.

Friday, Nov. 10

• Healey-Driscoll Administration Marks First Veterans Day with Ceremony at Faneuil Hall. Attended by Governor Maura T. Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Secretary Jon Santiago, and other elected city and state officials.
• Secretary Santiago speaks at Northeastern University’s Veterans Day Ceremony.
• Secretary Santiago attends the Veterans Association of Bristol County’s A Night Under the Stars Gala in Westport.

Saturday, Nov. 11

• Secretary Santiago attends the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Puerto Rican Veterans monument in Boston's South End.
• Secretary Santiago attends at Veteran's Day Service at the Thomas Fitzgerald VFW Post.