?Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season! As we enter 2015, my hope is t everyone will have a new year filled with good health and personal happiness. Hopefully this very mild spring like weather continues for at least a few more weeks!
?First, let me begin by expressing my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the two New York City police officers. Officer Rafael Ramos, and Officer Wenjian Liu; tragically lost their lives last week in New York City. This senseless and unspeakable act, committed in the most cowardly of ways, has caused many of us to stop and be grateful for every day we have on this earth. I also want to offer my deepest sympathies and support to everyone in the Law Enforcement community who selflessly serve without regard to their personal safety or well being.
?On Christmas day, I had the great honor and privilege of spending most of my day at the Holyoke Soldiers Home. This experience truly made my Christmas day. This wasn’t my first trip to the Soldiers Home; but never before had I spent as much time as I did on Christmas Day talking with these heroes about their personal military experiences. For example, I had the distinct honor of speaking to a gentlemen who was on the first wave of brave men who landed on the shores of Normandy on D-Day. All I could think of when talking to this gentlemen was the horror of D-Day as depicted in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”. The bravery of those service members on that fateful day changed the course of world history.
?Then there was the gentlemen who flew B-17 bomber(Flying Fortress) during World War II. This unsung hero flew 17 combat missions and as fate would have it, on his 17th mission he was shot down by enemy fire, captured by the enemy, and was a POW for the remainder of the war. As a citizen of the United States and member of the United States Army, I was overwhelmed by hearing these stories, and in awe of their humility.
?My recent visit to the Holyoke Soldiers Home was a very moving and emotional experience for me. Meeting these courageous heroes and their families was a further reminder of what makes America great. This experience further enhanced the need for taking care of our veterans. For it is the sacrifices and selflessness of current service members and veterans that continues to make America the greatest country on Earth. On a personal note, I encourage you to visit the Holyoke Soldiers to visit and volunteer. It will be a rewarding experience which you will never regret.
Just a reminder, my new office is open at 52 Court Street, so stop by with any questions or concerns. Also, if you’d like to visit me at the State House in Boston, feel free to contact me at [email protected] so we can arrange a trip! Have a happy and safe New Years’!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
