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Veterans honored at State House ceremony

E-mail|Link|Comments () November 11, 2009 11:53 AM

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

Several hundred veterans, family members, and elected officials crowded this morning into the State House’s Hall of Flags to honor the sacrifices made for the country by Massachusetts service members.

"The reason that we do everything we can in support of those in the armed services…is because we honor the extraordinary sense of sacrifice and service that you give us,” Governor Deval Patrick said in an address, as he pointed to poignant images in the hall of the Battle of Concord Bridge and of soldiers returning to Massachusetts after the Civil War.

At the front of the room was a table with a white tablecloth, a single place setting, a red rose, and two candles, all meant to symbolize prisoners of war and those missing in action. On the right sat Gold Star Families, dressed in yellow. On the left sat Patriot Guard Riders, dressed in leather jackets.

Members of the honor guard gave a rose to family members as the name of their son, daughter, or relative was read aloud.

The Massachusetts State Police Bagpipe Brigade opened the ceremony and a band from Hanscom Air Force Base played throughout the ceremony.

Also attending were state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, Attorney General Martha Coakley, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, and Boston City Council President Michael Ross.

Later, at an American Legion post in Quincy, the governor is also expected to sign legislation broadening the menu of benefits and services for the state's veterans. "It is the least we can do to honor their sacrifices," he told reporters at the State House.

The ceremony was just one of many Veterans Day observances planned around the state.

At Boston College, officials dedicated a 70-foot-long granite memorial to honor the 209 alumni who died while serving. And at Harvard University, a plaque was unveiled honoring Harvard alumni who have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor.

Parades are also planned in various communities, including Boston and Arlington.

Material from Globe wire services was used in this report.