Cape Cod Overpasses Renamed for Sagamore Beach Soldier

Governor Deval Patrick today joined family members and legislators to sign S. 2218, "An Act Designating Certain Bridges In The Town of Bourne As The Staff Sergeant Matthew A. Pucino Bridges," honoring Staff Sergeant Matthew Pucino.

"Naming these bridges in Sergeant Pucino’s honor is a small gesture of thanks for a very big service to our country," Gov. Patrick said.

The division of highways in the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be charged with creating and maintaining suitable markers bearing the new designation of the Sagamore overpass spanning U.S. Route 6 that crosses over Meetinghouse Lane and the Scenic Highway.

Pucino grew up in Sagamore Beach. He was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009 when his mounted patrol unit was attacked with an IED.

"Matthew was a Green Beret, which takes hard work, commitment and courage," Senate President Therese Murray said. "He had all those traits and more. Matthew was a hero, and with this dedication we acknowledge his service and sacrifice and honor his family and his legacy."

“I am proud we have chosen to remember Matthew by naming this bridge in his honor,” said State Representative Vinny deMacedo. “He elected to put himself in harm’s way to protect the country he loved. This is one small measure in which his community can thank him for that ultimate sacrifice.”

"There is no way that the commonwealth can pay back Staff Sergeant Matthew A. Pucino for his service to our country and his ultimate sacrifice while leading a convoy on that fateful day in November 2009,” said State Representative Randy Hunt. “But we can commemorate this great American hero by naming a bridge in his honor on the approach to the Cape Cod Canal in Matt's hometown village of Sagamore Beach."