Braintree Honors MLK Citizen of the Year Award Winner

BRAINTREE, MA — Every January, Braintree celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day by honoring a resident for their service to the town. On Thursday, Braintree held a ceremony honoring the 2022 winner Henry "Hank" Joyce with Town of Braintree Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Peacemaker Award.

Joyce was awarded for his decades of service to Braintree. He served as the town councilor for District 4 from 2008-2014. In addition to that service, Joyce is a past member of the Braintree Parks Commission. He has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Braintree Rotary Club, and currently serves as chairman of the Braintree elder affairs advisory board. In addition to these organizations and causes, Joyce has, for many decades, been a director of the Braintree Babe Ruth youth baseball league, including serving several terms as league President.

Family and friends filled the Cahill Auditorium at Town Hall to celebrate Joyce. This included speeches from his longtime friends Lee Dingee and John Pelose, his son Jimmy Joyce and Mayor Charles Kokoros.

"Hank’s incredible contribution to Braintree is undeniable," Kokoros said in his speech. "He has done so much for our community and for me personally, and I consider myself lucky to have him as a mentor and more importantly as a friend."

"The third Monday in January is always Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day which is also known as a national day of service," the mayor added. "Dr. King once said, 'Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?' This quote rings true to how this year’s recipient, Hank Joyce lives his life every day."