Veterans (Memorials & Recognition) in Massachusetts

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2025

HD 4908: An Act designating a certain overpass in the town of Sandwich as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville Veterans Memorial Overpass

By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven George Xiarhos that a certain overpass on State Route 6 in the town of Sandwich be designated as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville veterans memorial overpass. Transportation.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

signed · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2026

H 3306: An Act establishing the fourth Thursday in march as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3306) of Michelle L. Ciccolo and others for legislation to establish the fourth Thursday in march as Tuskegee Airmen commemoration day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2603: An Act designating a certain bridge in the city of New Bedford in the memory of Silver Star recipient Corporal Francis J. McHugh

This bill designates bridge N-06-024(3Y0) on Philips Road over Route 140 in New Bedford as the "Corporal Francis J. McHugh Memorial Bridge" to honor a WWII Army veteran who earned the Silver Star for saving a fellow soldier. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will install and maintain markers bearing this name. The bill is purely commemorative, with no policy changes or financial impacts. It directly affects the bridge's official designation and the city of New Bedford.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1112: An Act relative to Purple Heart registration plates

This bill allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal to receive special vehicle registration plates featuring the Purple Heart image. Eligible veterans who own private passenger vehicles or motorcycles can get their first set of these plates at no cost from the state motor vehicle office, with standard fees applying for additional sets. The plates are intended to honor Purple Heart recipients and are available upon providing proof of their military award. The bill directly affects qualifying veterans by providing a visible symbol of recognition for their service.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1472: An Act to recognize service to our Commonwealth and Nation

This bill (SD 1472) amends a Massachusetts law to add a specific recognition provision for families of service members who die while actively serving. It inserts a new subsection (h) into Section 6A of Chapter 2, explicitly naming all active-duty branches of the U.S. military (including Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserve, and National Guard) as those whose service deaths will be recognized. The bill provides symbolic recognition for the families of these service members but does not create new benefits, funding, or obligations. It is a procedural, commemorative measure focused solely on acknowledging service and sacrifice.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2409: An Act relative to erecting a plaque to commemorate the service members from Massachusetts who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Heroic Services during the Global War on Terror

SD 2409 requires the state superintendent of buildings to erect a plaque in the Massachusetts State House honoring service members from Massachusetts who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Global War on Terror. The plaque's location will be chosen by the state art commission. This bill is purely commemorative, with no legal changes or new benefits for service members. It directs state officials to carry out this memorial gesture within the state house.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4208: An Act relative to the air medal license plate

This bill amends Massachusetts law to add "Air Medal" as a recognized military award for license plate designations. It directly affects veterans who have earned the Air Medal by providing them with a specific license plate option. The key provision inserts "Air Medal" into existing sections of the law that list military honors eligible for plate recognition, alongside the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a procedural change to expand military recognition plate choices without altering other laws or creating new benefits.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 374: An Act to properly recognize Massachusetts merchant mariners, living and deceased, who served in an active war zone

This bill (SD 374) creates two specific recognition measures for Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in active war zones. First, it requires that cemetery displays honoring veterans include a Merchant Marine flag alongside military branch flags, and mandates installing the Merchant Marine flag in the State House's Memorial Hall. Second, it establishes a Massachusetts Merchant Mariner Medal for eligible residents who served after December 6, 1941, with criteria aligned to federal standards. The award process will be managed by a commission including the Veterans Affairs Secretary, a Massachusetts Maritime Academy representative, and a licensed merchant mariner appointed by the Governor. The bill directly affects living and deceased Massachusetts merchant mariners who served in wartime.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 793: An Act relative to recognition of the "Honor and Remember" flag in the Commonwealth

This bill designates the "Honor and Remember" flag as a symbol representing Massachusetts' commitment to honoring U.S. military members who died in service and their families. It specifies the flag's symbolic elements (e.g., red for blood shed, gold star for ultimate sacrifice) and requires it to be displayed below the American flag when flown together, never larger than the American flag. The bill lists eight specific days for optional display (including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Gold Star Mother's Day) and clarifies that no individual, organization, or government entity is mandated to purchase or display the flag. The measure focuses solely on recognition and voluntary display, with no enforcement or cost implications.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3731: An Act relative to a Veterans' Hall of Fame Commission

HD 3731 creates a 11-member Veterans' Hall of Fame Commission to study the feasibility of establishing a state veterans' hall of fame in Massachusetts. The commission, including legislative leaders, veterans' committee chairs, military and veterans' services officials, and two veteran appointees, will analyze costs, nomination criteria, and methods for inducting Massachusetts veterans. It must submit its findings and recommendations to both legislative chambers by December 31, 2026. The bill does not create the hall itself but directs the commission to evaluate the proposal.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

All veterans bills