Boston - Governor Maura Healey today joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.) and members of the Legislature to celebrate the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the House Chamber at the Massachusetts State House. Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state and community leaders to honor those who proudly serve both our country and community. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community—whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist or military family member or advocate—to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals were recognized and presented with an official Governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.

"We created Military Appreciation Day at the State House to honor these heroes—veterans, active-duty service members, and military families—whose courage, strength and commitment to service continue to shape our state and our nation for the better,” said Governor Healey. “It’s great that Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition, and we’ll proudly carry it forward each year to show our gratitude to those who have served our country.”

“Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This day is about uplifting the contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized.”

“Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform—and those who stand beside them.”

“The honorees we celebrate today represent the best of our Commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen Spilka. “Their service, both in and out of uniform, reminds us that patriotism is lived every day, not just remembered in ceremony.”

“It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber,” said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. “This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our Commonwealth.”

The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Massachusetts native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC’s The Voice finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.

Military Appreciation Day culminates a week of statewide activities recognizing our military community, including events at local veterans’ organizations and partner agencies. Observances will conclude on Monday, May 26, with formal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon.