Framingham Honors Veterans at Nevins Hall

FRAMINGHAM - Past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces from Framingham were recognized during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Memorial Building on Monday, November 11—the the 106th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.

Local and state officials were joined by residents along withother community and military leaders at Nevins Hall to honor veterans for their service. Speakers during the ceremony, such as Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, thanked members of the military for their work throughout various periods of wartime and peacetime.

“(Their) stories and experiences serve as powerful reminders of the strength and resilience needed to protect the freedoms we cherish,” Sisitsky told attendees on Monday.

"It’s important to remember our veterans—not just in the month of November, but throughout the year.”

Various other speakers during the event highlighted initiatives to support veterans and their family members. Benefits provided through the bipartisan HERO Act—which was signed into law in Massachusetts by Governor Maura Healey back in August—were commended by Assistant Adjutant General for the Massachusetts Army National Guard Paul L. Minor, the keynote speaker of Framingham’s Veterans Day ceremony. Minor said investments into resources for veterans, such as expanded access to behavioral health treatment and additional tax credits to businesses who hire vets, are proper strides being taken locally.

“Our American veterans are the embodiment of the values that make our nation great and free,” Minor continued.

“Their service has defended our nation and ensured that our communities, our institutions, and our families can live and prosper in freedom. They are our nation’s greatest and strongest asset.”

Six awards were presented to family members and representatives of Framingham-based veterans during Monday’s event as well: a pair of Medals of Liberty, as well as four Medals of Fidelity.

The Medal of Liberty is awarded to the next of kin of Massachusetts service members who were killed in action or as a result of wounds sustained in action, along with those who died while serving in a designated area of combat. The Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity is given to the next of kin of service members who died as a result of a disorder, condition, disease, or injury related to their service.

Representatives of Captain Richard W. Higgins and Staff Sergeant Scott J. Metcalf were presented with the Medal of Liberty on Monday, while those present on behalf of Staff Sergeant Howard MacGlashing, Sergeant George M. Mitchell, Captain Larry A. Morse, and Specialist Four Donald J. Weir were given the Medal of Fidelity.