Local Reps, Senators, Invite Community To 3rd Annual Armed Forces Day

WESTBOROUGH, MA—Legislators Representing the Central MA Veterans’ Service District are inviting the communities of Grafton, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Westborough to join in honoring active and retired Military Personnel.

Representative Hannah E. Kane, R-Shrewsbury, announced that the 3rd Annual Armed Forces Day event, honoring all service men and women, active or retired, will take place at SAC Park, 438 Lake St., Shrewsbury, on Saturday, May 20, from 9--10:30 a.m.

Representative Kane will be joined by her colleagues in the legislature who are co-sponsors of the annual event: Senator Harriette Chandler, D-Worcester, Senator Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, Senator Michael Moore, D-Millbury, Representative Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, Representative Danielle Gregoire, D-Marlborough), Representative David Muradian, R-Grafton and Representative Harold Naughton, D- Clinton.

The delegation represents the Central Massachusetts Veterans’ Service district of Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough and Grafton. The event is free and open to all active and retired military personnel and members of the public who would like to take part in honoring those who have served.

“Armed Forces Day focuses on honoring the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, and acknowledges the enormous debt of gratitude we owe these selfless patriots. It is humbling to be surrounded by so many who have given so much and I am pleased to once again co-host this community celebration with my legislative colleagues,” said Representative Hannah Kane in a statement. “I look forward to sharing this day with the Central Massachusetts community. I truly believe that individuals of all ages will leave the event with a greater appreciation for the branches of our military, a greater reverence for those who have served and greatly enjoy the opportunity to directly say a heartfelt, thank you.”

“Our servicemen and servicewomen never give up the fight for us”, said Senator Michael Moore in a statement. “During Armed Forces Day, we celebrate their contributions to promote freedom on the home front and abroad. Their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their families, continue to keep our country safe and free”, concluded Senator Moore.

State Representative David Muradian said in that release that he is “honored to have the opportunity to join with our friends and neighbors in Central Massachusetts to recognize our active and retired military personnel and their service to our country. This event will be a great opportunity to not only gather together, but also show our thanks to the members of our United States Military”.

Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by then US Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson, to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force days and unify all branches of the military under the Department of Defense. It is a day to pay tribute to those actively serving and those who have served their country in times of war and peace.

“Central Massachusetts is fortunate to call itself home to a large and active veterans community and I am proud to be able to celebrate their many contributions," said Dykema in a statement. “I look forward to recognizing the service and sacrifices of local veterans and their families along with Rep. Kane and my colleagues”.

Senate Majority Leader Harriette Chandler offered a “thank you to the honorable men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country not only through times of turmoil, but also through times of relative peace”. Senator Chandler continued, “We are grateful for your sacrificial service and celebrate the US Armed Forces today”.

This year’s event will feature special guest speakers Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Urena. Shrewsbury High School Senior Carly O’Brien will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America and the Grafton Job Corp Color Guard will post the flags. Reverend Robert Hyde of the First Congregational Church in Shrewsbury, and a veteran of the United States Air Force, will offer a prayer. Attendees will enjoy music, readings and a continental breakfast while hearing remarks on the branches of the military.

“It is a privilege to co-host this important event with my friends and Legislative colleagues for the third year in a row,” said Naughton in a statement. “Here in Massachusetts we continuously try to honor our service women and men by improving upon the benefits they receive each and every year. We can always do more, and this Armed Forces Day event that we have worked hard to put together each of the past three years is just one way we recognize and remember our local heroes”.

State Senator Jamie Eldridge added in the press release, “looks forward to joining everyone in our communities on Armed Forces Day to show appreciation for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard”. Continued Senator Eldridge, “Local events give us a chance to acknowledge our war heroes, reflect on their service to our country, and to raise awareness about supportive services for those serving”.

All members of the community are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

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