Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Veterans Legacy Trail to Commemorate MA250

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Veterans Legacy Trail to Commemorate MA250 

Mass.gov/VetsTrail features interactive map of war memorials across Massachusetts 

 

FALL RIVER — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today launched the Massachusetts Veterans Legacy Trail, a first-of-its-kind project cataloging more than 1,200 war memorials across Massachusetts. Developed as a signature initiative of the Massachusetts 250th Anniversary (MA250) commemoration, the Trail honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and military service from the Revolutionary War to the present day. 

The new initiative features both an interactive website and a companion brochure, designed to help residents and visitors explore Massachusetts’ military history in engaging and accessible ways. 

“Massachusetts has always been at the heart of America’s story,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With the Veterans Legacy Trail, we’re connecting Massachusetts residents and visitors alike with the sacrifices of generations who served, and ensuring their legacy is part of how we commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary.” 

“The Veterans Legacy Trail makes history tangible,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Whether it’s a neighborhood monument like Bunker Hill in Charlestown or a landmark like Battleship Cove, these sites tell stories that belong to all of us — and they help us teach future generations the meaning of service and sacrifice.” 

“Our veterans’ history is Massachusetts history,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “This project is about honoring those who came before us, while making it easier for families, schools, and communities to explore and engage with their legacy. We’re proud to partner with MA250 and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to bring this vision to life.” 

“The Massachusetts Veterans Legacy Trail exemplifies the collaborative spirit of MA250,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “It honors the courage of those who fought for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while connecting communities through shared stories. Trails like this invite visitors and residents to explore our state in new ways, strengthening our role as leaders and revolutionaries and deepening tourism, education, and civic pride.”

The project was formally launched at Battleship Cove in Fall River with Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago, and partners from the Massachusetts legislature, Office of Travel and Tourism and the MA250 Commission. 

About the Project 

The Veterans Legacy Trail website offers a searchable map of more than 1,200 memorials in towns and cities statewide. Each entry includes location information, photographs, and historical context. Users can search by region, war era, or community to uncover local stories of service and sacrifice. 

As a companion to the digital platform, the Veterans Legacy Trail brochure compliments the digital platform by featuring the top 10 memorials in each of the Commonwealth’s six regions. Modeled after the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, the brochure provides an easy-to-use, family-friendly encouraging residents and visitors to explore landmarks that define Massachusetts’ military history.  

The Veterans Legacy Trail website is now live at mass.gov/vetstrail and you can view a digital copy of the brochure here. 

For more information on the Massachusetts 250th Anniversary, visit www.massachusetts250.org.