Salem Street Bridge Renamed Angelo Piazza Bridge: State Leg

Press release from the Woburn state legislative delegation:

BOSTON – Representative Richard M. Haggerty (D-Woburn), Representative Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington), and Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) are pleased to announce that legislation officially naming the Salem Street Bridge in Woburn as the Angelo Piazza Bridge has been signed into law.

Filed in honor of Woburn native Angelo Piazza by members of the Woburn State House Delegation, House Bill 4207 was signed into law on April 15th as Chapter 63 of the Acts of 2020. Mr. Piazza is a decorated United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran and a longtime member of the Woburn Police Department.

“It has been said ‘A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors.’ So is true today as we honor Mr. Piazza for his heroism at war and his distinguished service at home,” said Representative Haggerty, “We are grateful to Angelo for his love of country and his love of Woburn. I also want to thank Veterans Agent Larry Guiseppe for his strong advocacy to get this this legislation passed.”

"Woburn is the special community it is because of its people," said Representative Ciccolo. "Angelo Piazza is a shining example of the type of selfless, patriotic citizens the city counts as among its many proud sons, and it is fitting that he receive this honor."

Angelo Piazza enlisted as an Infantryman with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1952, where he would go on to serve in Korea from 1953 – 1954. During his combat tour, Angelo selflessly went back into enemy held territory to retrieve the bodies of two of his fellow Marines who were killed in action (KIA). This brave act would cause Angelo to be awarded the Bronze Star for his valor.

“By designating this bridge the Angelo Piazza Bridge, we are showing our sincere gratitude toward Mr. Piazza for the sacrifices he has made for our country and his devoted public service to the City of Woburn,” said Senator Friedman. “May we always remember and honor the contribution he has made to our community, our Commonwealth, and our nation.”

Corporal Piazza would go also on to receive the Purple Heart after being wounded in action, along with the Korean Service Medal (with two gold stars), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Ambassador or Peace Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal during time in the service.

“Corporal Angelo Piazza heroics during the Korean War were recognized when he was awarded of the Bronze Star for Heroism and Valor during combat,” said Woburn Veteran Services’ Officer Larry Guiseppe. “He is one of our most decorated Korean War veterans, a strong advocate of veterans’ services and a patriotic member of the Woburn community. His years of service to our city as a police officer show a sincere commitment to his dedication as a servant of the people. Special thanks to Mr. John Devine of Woburn for recommending this honor to ‘Angie’.”

“The Piazza family is honored that this dedication admires and respects not only “Angie’s” service in the U.S. Marine Corps but also his 34+ years of service as a police officer to the community of Woburn,” said the Piazza Family in a joint statement. “The bridge will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice made by Angie and the other veterans. We would like to acknowledge Richard Haggerty, Larry Guiseppe, Mayor Galvin and everyone else who worked diligently towards this project.”

After 34 years of serving on the Woburn Police Department, Angelo still resides in the City with his family. His sons Mike and Angelo Jr. have a history of service to the community as well, with Mike recently retiring from the Department and Angelo Jr. still wearing the uniform today.

The Salem Street Bridge is located in East Woburn, goes over the MBTA train tracks, and is currently being reconstructed. A formal ceremony will be held at a later date.

This press release was produced by the state legislative delegation. The views expressed are the authors' own.