A ceremony honoring World War II veterans will be held on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at 1 pm in the Hall of Flags at Fort Devens. The event, co-hosted by State Rep. Jennifer Benson and State Rep. Sheila Harrington, will feature a traditional military program and special guest speaker Gov. Charlie Baker.
According to data provided by the Veterans Administration, there are fewer than 25,000 living World War II veterans in Massachusetts. By 2020, it is estimated there will be fewer than 5,000.
The traditional 90-minute program will include a color guard, a performance of the national anthem and other patriotic music selections, and the reading of a special proclamation by Governor Baker honoring Massachusetts’s World War II veterans.
World War II veterans and their families from across the commonwealth are invited to attend. The Hall of Flags, which is handicap-accessible, is located at 1 Quebec Street at Fort Devens. Ample parking is available. Veterans and their guests should be seated by 1 pm to ensure a prompt start to the ceremony.
To RSVP to the event, or for more information, contact Representative Benson’s or Representative Harrington’s offices: Jennifer.Benson@mahouse.gov, 978-582-4146; Sheila.Harrington@mahouse.gov, 617-722-2305.