Visiting with Vets, Honoring Their Service
In the weeks before and after Memorial Day, I had the opportunity to make quite a few stops across the Commonwealth, speaking with veterans, hearing their concerns, and attending ceremonies of remembrance and recognition of veterans living and deceased. A brief video statement is below.
I also shared my thoughts on the day in an Op-Ed in the Lowell Sun. I think a fact that many Americans might not think about is that more than one million soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen and women have given their lives in service of their country. And for those who come home, we must do more to provide them with ample opportunity to work, receive health care, and raise their families. Read the full piece here.
Speaking of honoring service, I am extremely pleased to report that the U.S. Navy will name a new destroyer for Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Hudner Jr., of Concord. Captain Hudner's courage and selflessness in battle embody our nation’s finest traditions of military service. During the Korean War, Captain Hudner purposely crash-landed his aircraft next to the downed plane of his wingman in an attempt to save him. View my take on the story below, or read more about the man (including photos) here, here andhere.
Around Town
Memorial Day
Attleboro Sun Chronicle: It's a sacred and solemn day
"Veterans Agent James McCann officiated at the ceremony, calling it a "privilege and an honor" to be in attendance with many local veterans… McCann also welcomed U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., who has been a member of the Army National Guard for more than 30 years, and is currently a lieutenant colonel in the Judge Advocate General Corps. "It's a sacred and solemn day, and one we honor," Brown said. "We owe a debt of gratitude ... in some cases, (the soldiers) decided our liberty was more important than their lives.'"
Eagle Tribune: Brown, many others, honor fallen Valley heroes
"U.S. Sen. Scott Brown was guest speaker at the Haverhill Police Relief Association annual ceremony honoring deceased members in front of the Haverhill police station. "Freedom is not free," said Brown, a 32-year member of the Army National Guard. "They made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe," he said. Brown presented a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol, "in honor of the heroes who have served." (img. credt Tim Jean/Eagle Tribune)"
Peabody Patch: A Day to Remember, Celebrate and Give Thanks
"U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, who joined the ceremonies in Peabody with his wife Gail, offered brief remarks to the audience gathered outside City Hall. "It's not possible to overstate the debt we owe to [veterans]," Brown said, calling the sacrifices American soldiers have made throughout history (especially when soldiers have given their lives in the line of duty) "amazing acts of selflessness.'" (img. credit John Castelluccio)
Tewksbury Town Crier: True Meaning of Service
"Brown purchased ice cream for the 344th Military Police Unit, which is based in Worcester. Corporal Mike Eschner, who said that “it was pretty cool for him to do that,” also said that he and his colleagues enjoy coming to Tewksbury. “We come up here every year. It’s a great turnout,” he said. “It’s kind of humbling to get a bunch of people cheering for you,” he added. “It’s what keeps us coming back every year.'"
Veterans Forum
On Tuesday, May 29th, I held a vets forum at the American Legion in Quincy.
Patriot Ledger: Brown holds session with Quincy veterans
"Sen. Scott Brown met Tuesday with veterans at the Morrissette Post of the American Legion in Quincy. Senator Scott Brown meets with veterans at the American Legion's Morrisette Post in Quincy. Facing the camera [above] are Brown staffers Austin Lord, left, and Joe Rich."
WATD: Quincy: Senator Scott Brown talks veterans issues at forum at American Legion Post 294
"Senator Scott Brown held a veterans forum in Quincy to talk about major issues affecting veterans and veterans’ officers on the South Shore. Veterans from all over the south shore met Tuesday to hear what Senator Brown had to say about issues like employment for soldiers returning from active duty and a delay in answers to disability claims."
In Other News...
I am happy to announce that the Senate voted on June 4th to confirm Timothy Hillman as a U.S. District Judge for Worcester. Judge Hillman has been a diligent public servant for a long time, and is, in my opinion, quite deserving of the post. I spoke on the floor before the vote, extolling his virtues and encouraging the Senate to confirm him, which they did by a vote of 88-1. My speech in support of Judge Hillman.
All the Best,
Scott
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