Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Gold Star Families at Annual Tree Lighting and Launches First-Ever Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit
BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today joined Gold Star families, state leaders and community partners at the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Lighting ceremony at the State House, an annual tradition that honors the families of fallen service members and affirms the state’s commitment to them.
During the event, the Healey Administration formally launched the Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit, the first comprehensive, statewide guide dedicated exclusively to Gold Star families. Developed by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS), the toolkit brings together a broad array of resources in one place, helping families navigate benefits and services across education, health care, housing, employment, financial assistance, and community connection.
The Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual State House event that honors Massachusetts service members who died in service and their families. Approximately 120 Gold Star family members gathered for the ceremony to decorate the tree with personal messages and ornaments in remembrance of their loved ones. The Military Friends Foundation hosts the ceremony with support from state and community partners.
“Gold Star families live with the weight of sacrifice every single day,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We owe them respect, recognition and action. This annual ceremony honors their loved ones, and this new toolkit will help families access the resources they need throughout the year.””
“The Gold Star Families Tree Lighting reminds us that remembrance must come with responsibility,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today, we honor families who have given so much, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand beside them with real resources, clear guidance, and ongoing support.”
“Gold Star families should never have to search for help or piece together support on their own,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “This toolkit brings resources into one place and sends a clear message that Massachusetts stands with Gold Star families not just in moments of remembrance, but every day of the year.”
“The Military Friends Foundation is honored to host this ceremony and partner with the Commonwealth to connect Gold Star families with meaningful support,” said Sarah Sweeney, Military Friends Foundation.
“Gold Star Families share a special understanding of the pain experienced with the loss of a child,” said Robin Abbott, Gold Star Wives of America. “Together, we offer each other support, friendship, and a shoulder to cry on. We are here to provide a hand up when a family is struggling emotionally or financially.”
The toolkit reflects Massachusetts’ broader work to strengthen support for Gold Star families through policy, recognition, and direct assistance. Earlier this year, during Veterans Week, Massachusetts dedicated the bridge at 194 Lynnway as the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Memorial Bridge. The dedication honors Gold Star families across the Commonwealth and recognizes Lynn’s long history of military service and sacrifice, including more than 450 Gold Star family members since World War II.
Additionally, this year the Healey Administration fully implemented the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans legislation in Massachusetts history, which increases state benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members and expands formal recognition for Gold Star families across the state, including annual proclamations and lighting honors at key public landmarks. It also improves access to health care, behavioral health treatment, and other supports for military families.
Massachusetts is home to thousands of Gold Star family members, including parents, spouses, children, and siblings of fallen service members. The new toolkit was designed to meet families where they are, whether they are newly navigating loss or seeking long-term stability and connection years later.
The Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit is available statewide and can be accessed online at mass.gov/VETS.
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