大波士頓僑社10/4 遊行、升旗慶雙十 吳弭市長和北一女樂儀隊同行

波士頓僑界慶祝中華民國114年生日大合唱。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處長廖朝宏夫婦（左三、四）和波士頓市長吳弭（左五）
等嘉賓列隊出發。（周菊子攝）

廖朝宏處長稱中華民國台灣將持續維護民主自由。周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 2025年 10月4日，近千名僑胞從大波士頓各地，湧進華埠，在「天下為公」牌樓前集合，從必珠街(Beach)轉進天滿街（Tremont St.），一路遊行至波士頓市政府廣場，升起青天白日滿地紅國旗，歡欣鼓舞的慶祝中華民國114年生日。

          在紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝的統籌下，不但駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏夫婦，波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦站在了遊行隊伍的第一排，就連波士頓市長吳弭都帶著11歲的大兒子Blaise，抱著今年1月才出生的女兒Mira，和麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Ｍichlewitz），以及轄區包括華埠的波士頓市第2區市議員愛德華費連（Ed Flynn）夫婦都加入了站在第一排的出發遊行行列，還沿途和路人揮手。

波士頓僑務委員陳仕維稱永遠支持孫中山建立的中華民國。周菊子攝）

             波士頓市議會議長Ruthzee Louijeune，不分區市議員Henry Santana後來也加入了遊行行列。

 波士頓經文處的組長黃耀良，科技組長蔡孟勳，教育組組長黃薳玉也都夾雜在遊行隊伍中。

波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜擔任升旗典禮司儀。周菊子攝）

            今年的雙十遊行，還首次出現北一女樂儀隊和佛蒙特州威爾猛軍校學生身影，一身英挺制服，為遊行添加許多氣氛。聖地騎士團的車隊也不但數量比往年多，還分別載送黃周麗桃、伍輝民，陳天佐，李天生，翁宇才，余寶愛等人到市府廣場。

             蕭靚穎揮舞國旗，華林功夫太極學校舞龍的前導，洪青體育會，波士頓安良工商會超武館，以及廣教學校醒獅隊的鑼鼓喧天，更是沿路吸引無數相機搶鏡。

余麗媖、雷國輝指揮遊行隊伍出發。周菊子攝）

            遊行隊伍來到波士頓市府廣場後，升旗儀式由波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜主持，波士頓榮光會展旗，波士頓龍舟隊升旗。在北一女樂隊吹笛手伴奏中，余寶愛領唱美國國歌，林泓安領唱中華民國國歌。

蕭靚穎揮舞國旗。周菊子攝）

            波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏以英文致詞，感謝所有人來參加遊行，為這天看到中華民國國旗升起感到驕傲。他說中華民國在過去這114年中，歷經起伏動盪，有過讓人驕傲時刻，也曾面對許多挑戰，但來自海外社區的支持，卻從未停止，給了中華民國台灣最強動力。他向僑胞們承諾，中華民國台灣將繼續維護民主，自由。

          廖朝宏處長最後以中文說，感謝所有人來參加遊行，看到很多年輕朋友，尤其讓人高興。祝中華民國生日快樂。

華林功夫太極學校舞龍。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓僑務委員陳仕維接著致詞，先以英文感謝吳弭市長等政要參加雙十遊行，再以中文稱呼僑學界朋友，歡迎眾人來到波士頓市府廣場，參加中華民國建國114年的升旗典禮。他說，大家都知道，這一面青天白日滿地紅國旗，代表的是自由，民主，法治的中華民國。過去這30年，政府經過多次政黨輪替，台灣在事實上已經成為亞洲第一，也是數一數二的民主國家，大家一定要守住這得來不易的榮譽。「我們」永遠支持國父孫中山建立的中華民國。

波士頓市長吳弭（中）帶著大兒子，抱著女兒Ｍira參加雙十遊行。

左起，中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏夫婦，
波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦，僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬，波士頓市議會議長
Ruthie Louijeune，不分區市議員Henry Santana，至孝篤親公所美東總長
陳建立，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富迎接遊行隊伍。周菊子攝）

             在升旗，致詞儀式後，主辦單位安排了歌舞表演，有蕭靚穎所率領的中華民俗藝術工作坊演出「歡欣鼓舞」，「醉春風」，「天地人和」等舞蹈，李佳蓉所創辦大波士頓搖擺舞團演出的搖擺舞，海外青年文化大使協會演出「完美的世界」，紐英崙養生舞協會表演「鼓舞慶中秋」，「太極乾坤扇」。

            遊行及升旗典禮，最後由還留在現場的人大合唱「中華民國頌」，「梅花」，畫下完美句點。

            今年參加遊行的僑團，有中華民俗藝術工作坊，海外青年文化大使，波士頓僑教中心志工團，波士頓台灣龍舟隊，波士頓華埠退伍軍人會，洪青體育會，國民黨波士頓分部，波士頓榮光聯誼會，大陳同鄉會，紐英崙婦女新運會，波士頓政大校友會，波士頓北一女校友會，波士頓急難救助協會，波士頓台灣影展協會，波士頓安良工商會，新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會，哈佛大學台灣同學會，MIT台灣同學會，波士頓大學台灣同學會，民兵團，紐英崙養生舞協會，紐英崙伍胥山公所，波士頓台大校友會，中華廣教學校，波士頓成大校友會，紐英崙李氏公所，紐英崙中華專業人員協會，新英格蘭中文學校協會，璞石中華文化工作室，紐英崙朱沛國堂，勒星頓中文學校，紐英崙昭倫公所，紐英崙余風采堂，紐英崙至孝篤親公所，紐英崙阮氏公所，華林派國術總會，聖地騎士團（Shriners）的車隊，以及阿波羅摩托車隊。

波士頓僑教中心志工和海外青年文化大使打出台灣字樣。（周菊子攝）

右起，麻州眾議會財政委員會主席Aaron Michlewitz，波士頓市長吳弭，
市議長ruthzee Louijeune，廖朝宏處長夫婦，波士頓市議員Henry Santana等人
在遊行隊伍中走在最前面。（周菊子攝）

右起，麻州眾議會財政委員會主席Aaron Michlewitz，波士頓市長吳弭等人一起遊行。
（周菊子攝）

嘉賓在台前致詞。（周菊子攝）

大合照。（周菊子攝）

升旗典禮圓滿落幕前大合唱。（周菊子攝）

海外青年文化大使表演「完美的世界」。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊的學生和家長合影。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊表演。（周菊子攝）

中華民俗藝術工作坊表演。（周菊子攝）

台大校友會會長李佳蓉（左一）創辦的搖擺舞團演出。（周菊子攝）

波士頓搖擺舞團的服裝非常有復古風。（周菊子攝）

波士頓搖擺舞團青春活力四射。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙養生五協會扇舞十分搶鏡。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙養生五協會的鼓舞在周美桃老師的指點下，氣勢十足。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙養生五協會的鼓舞在周美桃老師的指點下，氣勢十足。（周菊子攝

波士頓榮光會展旗。（周菊子攝）

波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩（左）和已調往市府服務的鄺劍鋒
都來參加遊行，協助維持秩序。（周菊子攝）

民兵團沿路開槍，成為遊行一大亮點。（周菊子攝）

波士頓華埠僑領法蘭克叔叔的兒子陳孟君今年也來遊行。（周菊子攝）

李氏公所前主席李天生這天搭車遊行。（周菊子攝）

至孝篤親公所前主席的父親陳天佐野搭車遊行（右）。

阿波羅摩托車隊為遊行押尾。（周菊子攝）

黃周麗桃和伍輝民搭車遊行。（周菊子攝）

中華公所財政余寶愛（右）和中文書記翁宇才（左）作伴，搭車遊行。（周菊子攝）

聖地騎士團的遊行車很是可愛。（周菊子攝）

聖地騎士團派員參加遊行。（周菊子攝）

華林派國術總會舞龍之外，還舞獅。（周菊子攝）

華林派波士頓掌門人Bob Rosen（左）親自參加遊行。（周菊子攝）

阮鴻燦（中）等人代阮氏公所遊行。（周菊子攝）

大陳同鄉會今年有許多新人參加遊行。（周菊子攝）

吳宇懷（左），林麗珠（右）等人為政大校友會扯布條。（周菊子攝）

林麗珠（又）同時身兼波士頓急難救助協會會長。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍（右二）率宗親遊行。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙余風采堂主席余立昌夫婦（左）與宗親一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

昭倫公所有譚達兒等人遊行。（周菊子攝）

譚柏林也加入遊行行列。（周菊子攝）

姜家（左一）的姜姓，也是昭倫公所宗親的姓氏之一。（周菊子攝）

勒星頓中文學校目前是採用繁體字教學的規模最大中文學校。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙朱沛國堂有主席朱健威夫婦率隊。（周菊子攝）

璞石中華文化工作室也湊出一組遊行隊伍。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭中文學校協會由新任會長馮文（左三）鸞率隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長游子揚夫婦和會長盧彥君做遊行代表。（周菊子攝）

前董事長周萬欽（左一）也來加入遊行行列。（周菊子攝）

李氏公所由主席李源沛（左起），李奇舜帶隊。（周菊子攝）

今年的雙十遊行，李氏公所陣容最壯大。（周菊子攝）

李氏公所的遊行隊伍。（周菊子攝）

李氏公所主席李奇舜（右）帶隊。（周菊子攝）

成大校友會會長王慕誠率隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

才剛又換了校長的中華廣教學校，遊行隊伍不遜色。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台大校友會會長李佳蓉（左三起）和顧宗浩，揚智晴等校友攜手邁步行。
（周菊子攝）

波士頓搖擺舞團有台大校友作班底。（周菊子攝）

伍氏公所的伍快榮和伍慧儀。（周菊子攝）

余風采堂主席余立昌夫婦。（周菊子攝）

伍氏公所的伍慧儀（右起），伍快榮，美東副總長夫人伍鍾美貞等人一起遊行。
（周菊子攝）

周美桃率紐英崙養生五協會一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

養生舞協會隨時隨地都能擺出美美的舞姿。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙養生舞協會。（周菊子攝）

麻省理工學院台灣同學會派出好些代表參加遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓大學台灣同學會的遊行隊伍。（周菊子攝）

波士頓大學台灣同學會參加遊行的學生都歸隊後，
讓人發現這學校有不少台灣學生呢。（周菊子攝）

哈佛大學台灣同學會也派人組隊遊行。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭台學聯會長李典璋（中）和幹部們參加雙十遊行。（周菊子攝）

教育組組長黃薳玉（右一）為參加遊行的學生們比讚。（周菊子攝）

巨幅國旗得由七八名同學扯開。（周菊子攝）

波士頓安良工商會會長伍偉業（左起）、黃展唐和中文書記梅宇國。（周菊子攝）

波士頓安良工商會超武館師傅Sora Ly率醒獅隊參加遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓安良工商會的遊行隊伍，人數也不少。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣影展協會有共會長蔡景全（右一）和節目組的黃文彥等人
一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓政大校友人數不多，但旗幟氣派很足。（周菊子攝）

紐英崙婦女新運會會長張青梅（右起），李盧蓮馨，
以及幹部林黎輝等人一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會的黃色背心隊伍十分搶眼。（周菊子攝）

波士頓國民黨的遊行隊伍，旗幟陣仗最強大。（周菊子攝）

波士頓國民黨出動高個子舉旗打頭陣。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣龍舟隊和麾下黑熊隊攜手遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣龍舟隊和麾下黑熊隊攜手遊行。（周菊子攝）

波士頓退伍軍人會華埠328分會由會長Geni Boland率隊。（周菊子攝）

伍振中，黃國麟，司徒焯榮，李錦棠，司徒文信等人一起遊行。（周菊子攝）

吳萍萍（右一）和吳杏玫，廖佩妤，陳惠貞，徐麗玲，廖怡恩，方韻婷等人
組成波士頓北一女樂儀隊，為今年的雙十國慶遊行增加亮點。（周局子攝」

北一女樂隊廖佩妤（右三），吳杏玫（左三），和穿綠色制服的儀隊校友。
（周菊子攝）

北一女樂儀隊和佛蒙特州威而猛軍校生並列，帶出遊行氣勢。（周菊子攝）

右起，林泓安，麻州眾議員麥家威，蔣宗壬，吳弭市長和子女，廖朝宏處長夫婦，
波士頓市議員愛德華費連夫婦。（周菊子攝）

左起，中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏夫婦，
波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦，僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬，波士頓市議會議長
Ruthie Louijeune，不分區市議員Henry Santana，至孝篤親公所美東總長
陳建立，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富迎接遊行隊伍。（周菊子攝）

THE 4TH MEL KING MONTHLY BRUNCH TO BE HELD AT THE PIANO CRAFT GALLERY IN BOSTON’S SOUTH END

 THE 4TH MEL KING MONTHLY BRUNCH TO BE HELD AT THE PIANO CRAFT GALLERY IN BOSTON’S SOUTH END

(BOSTON) - The South End Brunch Club (TSEBC) will host their next Mel King Monthly Brunch at the Piano Craft Gallery in the Piano Factory Apartments, 793 Tremont Street, South End Boston on Sunday, October 19th, 11AM-2PM.

Mel King, who passed away in 2023, was a civil rights activist, organizer and university instructor. King opened his home to the community for over fifty years. TSEBC will award their 2nd Mel King Leadership Award to Aziza Robinson-Goodnight, a community leader and activist who is being recognized for her work with Boston’s young leaders. Aziza has worked in Boston’s Black Community on issues ranging from reparations to entrepreneurship. She is committed to shaping, reenergizing and creating systemic changes in her native Boston. 

The brunch program segment will be led by TSEBC founding member and Creative Director Bless Robinson who is also a poet/singer/holistic healer. The program segment is entitled “Healing: Peeling Back The Layers”. Bless Robinson will lead those in attendance with self healing methods that they can continue to practice. “Healing begins within and I am pleased to share the methods, techniques and holistic therapy that has shaped, shifted and transformed my journey. And now I stand in my purpose, the blueprint of my ancestors.” says Robinson. 

The TSEBC’s first three Mel King Monthly Brunches, held in 2025 have been wildly successful with all three reaching capacity status.

美國聯邦政府宣佈將大規模裁員 估計解僱4000人

             (Boston Orange編譯) 聯邦政府關門10天後，白宮預算辦公室於10月10日（週五）表示，將開始實施RIF（Reduce-in-Force）的大規模裁員行動，法庭文件顯示，裁減人數將超過4000人。 

    目前已傳出財政部門將受創最重，約1400人會被裁撤，衛生及公共服務部約1,100 人，教育部及住房及城市發展部（HUD）估計各 400 多人，此外的商務部、能源部、國土安全部及環保署，也會各有數百名員工將被解僱。

            從1976年以來，美國聯邦政府曾有過 22 次因國會在預算年度開始前，未通過足夠的撥款法案，導致「部分」或「全面」關閉。其中關門時間最長的一次是2018年，關閉了35天，其次為1995到1996年的關閉21天，以及2013年的關閉16天。但都是員工暫時休假，並在政府恢復運作後，補發了薪水。2025年的這次，不但迄今已關門10天，而且聯邦政府還打算大規模永久性解僱員工，估計人數超過4000人，情況和往年大相徑庭。

川普總統明白表示，裁員將集中在“傾向民主黨的地區，還說許多被解僱的員工是不合適的。一份呈交給法院的文件顯示，財政部將裁員1300人。

不論是民主黨，或共和黨，不少國會議員批評川普政府此舉。緬因州的共和黨籍參議員Susan Collinsc把政府關門的責任，怪在參議院少數黨領袖，民主黨的Chuck Schumer身上。阿拉斯加議員Lisa Murkowski說川普政府的做法是政治性的懲罰行動。

代表聯邦員工的美國政府僱員聯合會（AFGE）正要起訴川普政府，試圖阻止裁員，稱那是「濫用權力」。

羅根機場推出新服務 旅客將可撫拍療癒寵物犬

麻州港務局執行長Rich Davey(左三起）邀麻州州長Maura Healey和她的第一夥伴

Joanna Lydgate，以及麻州眾議員Adrian C. Madaro，宣佈羅根機場推出

"Bos Paws"服務，讓旅客可以撫摸寵物狗。（周菊子攝）

              (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓的羅根（Logan）國際機場，10月10日推出歷來首次的”波士頓爪子（BOS PAWS）“寵物療癒項目，來往羅根機場的旅客，將可以拍摸幾隻輪流出場，受過訓練，有治療證照的寵物狗或貓。

麻州州長Maura Healey和第一夥伴Joanna Lydgate在機場和寵物犬玩耍。
（周菊子攝）

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）在麻州第一夥伴Joanna Lydgate的陪同下，和麻州港務局（Mass Port）執行長Rich Davey聯袂宣佈了這一創舉。

和麻州港務局合作的治療犬聯盟（Alliance of Therapy Dogs），帶了Waffle，Remington，Buster這3隻依序為鬥牛犬，雪納瑞犬，西高地白梗犬的治療犬到現場，展示給人看，機場旅客可以摸拍，舒緩心情的寵物，將穿著藍色“拍我（Pet Me）」字樣的藍背心，由工作人員牽著，在機場巡迴。

Waffle是法國鬥牛犬。（周菊子攝）

麻州港務局人員表示，根據美國國家衛生院（NIH）的研究，與動物互動能有效降低壓力荷爾蒙皮質醇（cortisol）的水平，同時也能降低血壓、減少孤獨感並提升情緒。該局推出這項目旨在幫助乘客紓壓。

奚莉州長笑說，羅根機場的旅客現在是升級到皮毛級（fur class）。她還說，昨天（10月9日）羅根機場才創下一天之內出境人數最多記錄（81,000人），川普政府的關閉聯邦政府（10月1日起），讓很多仰賴每張薪資單的聯邦政府員工陷入生活困境，羅根機場仍能絲滑運作，得感謝聯邦政府員工們的不懈服務。

Buster 是西高地白梗犬。（周菊子攝）

麻州港務局表示，該局正竭力改善波士頓洛根機場，使之成為一個對所有人友善、熱情且舒適的場所，在引進治療犬之外，還提供了更快的 Wi-Fi、翻新洗手間，並參與「隱性殘疾向日葵計畫」（Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program）等。

麻州長Healey呼籲川普政府承諾支付欠薪給機場聯邦員工

 （Boston Orange 編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）10月10日時發表聲明，呼籲川普總統承諾，支付欠薪給因政府關門而無償工作，在機場服務的聯邦員工。

川普政府10月1日宣佈關閉政府，意味著在公共事務行業服務的聯邦政府人員，將需無償工作，意味著在麻州的羅根國際機場，將有大約2000名美國運輸安全管理局（TSA）工作人員和空中交通管制員，將在拿不到薪水的情況下繼續工作。

麻州州長奚莉這天到羅根機場，出席麻州港務局宣佈羅根機場將提供持有證照療癒狗隻，供旅客拍打舒緩心情的活動，關心的感謝聯邦政府員工們，在無薪情況下，仍繼續在機場工作，保障人民的安全。由於川普政府未保證，一但聯邦政府恢復運作，聯邦員工們可以拿回停薪期間的薪資，奚莉州長特地公開發表聲明，呼籲川普總統做出承諾，將來要把欠薪付給這些聯邦員工。她說，這些聯邦員工也要養家活口，付帳單，她希望能幫助這些公僕得到應有的報酬。

Governor Healey Calls on Donald Trump to Commit to Providing Back Pay for TSA Agents, Air Traffic Controllers 

BOSTON – Ahead of her visit to Logan Airport today, Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s federal government shutdown, which means that nearly 2,000 TSA agents and air traffic controllers at Logan are working without pay.  

“This afternoon, I will be at Logan Airport to thank the federal employees who show up to work each and every day to keep people safe and make sure everyone gets where they need to go. It's terrible that they have been working without pay because of the federal shutdown. And now, President Trump won’t even commit to ensuring federal workers get back pay once the government reopens,” said Governor Healey. “These public servants have families to provide for and bills to pay – and they’re continuing to show up to do their jobs. I want them to know that we see them, we appreciate their service, and we are going to fight to make sure they get the pay they have earned.” 

BOSTON MARCHES FOR STATEWIDE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

 BOSTON MARCHES FOR STATEWIDE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025, 12 NOON, PARK STREET STATION BY BOSTON COMMON
Indigenous people and their allies will rally and march in Boston on Saturday, October 11, 2025 to observe Indigenous Peoples Day in Boston and demand that the MA state legislature vote to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. They will call on Governor Healey to make it a priority to support this and other Indigenous-centered legislation (MAIndigenousAgenda.org).
Marchers will celebrate the declaration of Indigenous Peoples Day in Boston and will urge city, state and federal governments to take further steps to address Indigenous community concerns.
Mahtowin Munro (Lakota), co-leader of United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and lead organizer for IndigenousPeoplesDayMA.org, explained: “Indigenous Peoples Day is being declared in cities and towns all across Massachusetts and across the country. We call on the MA State Legislature to step up now and pass our statewide Indigenous Peoples Day bill and stop celebrating genocidal Christopher Columbus as a hero. We call on the MA legislature to pass our other legislation currently before them, including bills to ban Native American sports team mascots, to provide for Indigenous curriculum content in the public schools, to protect sacred Native American heritage, and to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students. We call upon the federal government to respect tribal sovereignty and stop destructive pipeline and mining projects that run through and endanger Indigenous lands and the future of the Earth.
“There is no current fight that is exclusive of Indigenous peoples. We demand an end to criminalization based on colonial borders. We demand an end to the violence of occupation on the lands of our ancestors. And as we demand reparations for slavery for our relations; we also call for the Commonwealth and the United States to meet their treaty obligations to our peoples,” according to Jean-Luc Pierite (Tunica Biloxi), President of the Board of Directors of NAICOB (North American Indian Center of Boston).
Raquel Halsey (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation), Executive Director of NAICOB, said, “This political climate disrupts funding, policymaking, and relationships. We must remain steadfast in our commitments to Indigenous peoples. This egregious attempt to erode our treaty and civil rights cannot deter us, as it did not deter our ancestors. Removal policies drove Native people to urban areas. Away from our traditional territories, our lives are shaped by experiences and living memories of stolen children and missing and murdered Indigenous peoples. Our futures are shaped by the coalition that we continually work to build.”
Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October is necessary to bring awareness of the true history of Columbus and to honor the Indigenous history of the Americas and Boston as well as the Indigenous Peoples who continue to live in and contribute to the City of Boston. Boston first began to honor Indigenous Peoples Day in 2021.
Heather Leavell from the organization Italian-Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day said: "Italian Americans for Indigenous Peoples Day believes a holiday that celebrates the resilience of Indigenous peoples is far more truthful and uplifting for all residents of the Commonwealth than one that honors a brutal colonizer. By taking this important step toward truth and justice, those of us who are part of the dominant culture will take collective responsibility for our misplaced adulation of Columbus and help to create an environment where healing can begin. In addition, Indigenous Peoples Day must be celebrated as its own stand-alone holiday on the second Monday of October. This is one small step Italian Americans - and the dominant culture as a whole - can take to begin repairing the harm of centuries of oppression and erasure. It is our hope that all residents of the Commonwealth see Indigenous Peoples Day as we do: as a gift for the benefit of us all."
Kevin C. Peterson, founder of the New Democracy Coalition said, “There is no problem more pressing in our nation than fighting against racial oppression. Our collective goal must be a multiracial democracy where we decidedly oppose white supremacy and prosper in the glow of equality. Indigenous peoples day celebrates magnificent steps forward to what Congressman John Lewis called the beloved community.”
A Cultural Survival representative said, "After years of failing to make a bill to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day a priority, Massachusetts has lost the opportunity to be a leader for Indigenous Peoples' human rights. What are we waiting for? Cultural Survival urges political leaders in Massachusetts: Be brave enough to acknowledge the harms of our colonial past and lay a foundation that honors the Peoples whose ancestors first welcomed Europeans to these shores. Take this opportunity to do right by Indigenous Peoples in this state, who have been asking for this name change without response for far too long. Commit now to establishing Indigenous Peoples Day across the Commonwealth in the next legislative session."
Columbus Day has been celebrated for decades at the expense of Indigenous people. Columbus and his men were responsible for genocidal colonial invasions of Indigenous homelands, for slave-trading and sexual trafficking of thousands. Indigenous Peoples Day is an important opportunity to learn about and celebrate Indigenous history and contemporary Indigenous peoples and cultures. It’s time to stop sidelining and erasing Indigenous histories and contemporary issues.
Demands at Saturday’s rally will include:
-Statewide Indigenous Peoples Day Now!
-Pass the full Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda (MAIndigenousAgenda.org)
-Rename the Christopher Columbus park at Boston’s waterfront
-Rename Faneuil Hall and Reparations for all Black people of African descent in the United States
-Address the disproportionate impact of racial injustice and economic inequality in regard to Indigenous Peoples who live here.
-Address the crisis of Missing & Murdered Indigenous women
-Free migrant detainees & end the deportations.
-No projects on Indigenous lands without free, prior and informed consent.

Listing of 2025 Indigenous Peoples Day events in Massachusetts: https://italiansforipd.org/2025ipdevents/

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CELEBRATE NEW EMTS AND RECENT PROMOTIONS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES CELEBRATE NEW EMTS AND RECENT PROMOTIONS  Ceremony honored 32 graduating recruits and seven promotions to enhance emergency medical services in the City of Boston

BOSTON – Friday, October 10, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu, alongside Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), celebrated the graduation of 32 new EMTs and the promotion of seven EMS members in a ceremony held at Faneuil Hall. The graduates, all state-certified EMTs, successfully completed the Boston EMS Recruit Academy, an intensive training program that prepares recruits to deliver high-quality emergency care across the city. With this new class joining the ranks, Boston EMS continues to strengthen its 9-1-1 ambulance and dispatch services in response to growing demand. “Congratulations to the newest class of EMTs,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “You are joining a community of first responders who represent the very best of public service. EMS is an essential link between our first responder agencies and healthcare providers, supporting our residents with skill and compassion, whether in moments of crisis or quiet care. Boston is deeply grateful for your dedication and commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe.” “Today, we proudly welcome a new generation of EMTs into the Boston EMS family,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “You’ve taken on a role that demands strength, skill, and deep compassion. Over the course of your training, you’ve responded to hundreds of real emergencies—gaining experience, earning trust, and proving yourselves time and again. With EMS call volume reaching record highs, your service is more vital than ever. You are stepping into this career at a critical time—and we need you. Boston needs you. Your badges may be new, but your commitment is already clear. We are proud of everything you’ve accomplished and honored to have you join our ranks.” The Boston EMS Recruit Academy is a full-time, paid program featuring classroom instruction and field training that prepares EMTs for a range of life-threatening emergency situations including mass casualty events, active shooter incidents, hazardous materials exposure, and human trafficking response. During their training, the graduates collectively responded to over 4,700 9-1-1 calls, treating patients experiencing everything from cardiac arrest to childbirth, serious trauma (shootings and stabbings), and behavioral health crises. “Congratulations to our promotees and new EMTs,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “By joining Boston EMS, you’ve taken on a vital role at the intersection of emergency care, public health, and public safety. You are often the first to respond in times of crisis, and your work ensures that every resident—regardless of background or circumstance—receives skilled, compassionate care. In a healthcare system shaped by inequity, your presence matters. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to the people of Boston. It is an honor to serve alongside you.” Boston EMS continues to expand access to EMS careers through its multi-pronged recruitment strategy. Notably, 12 members of this graduating class were part of the relaunched Cadet Program, an initiative that fully funds EMT training for aspiring public servants and opens pathways to fulfilling careers in emergency services. “A few years ago, EMS systems across the country—including ours—faced a staffing crisis. But we refused to accept that future. Through targeted investment, strong partnerships, and a focus on inclusion, Boston EMS turned challenge into opportunity,” said Chief Hooley. “Programs like our Cadet Program and partnership with the Worker Empowerment Cabinet have removed barriers and created real pathways into public service. And with 20 department promotions this year alone—from Paramedics to Superintendents—we’re not just talking about progress. We’re living it.” During the ceremony, the department also recognized the promotion of two individuals to the rank of Superintendent and five individuals to the rank of Deputy Superintendent. These individuals collectively contribute nearly 175 years of combined service and leadership experience to the department’s supervisory ranks. Promoted to Superintendents: Thomas Finn: Field Operations William Lessard: Professional Standards Promoted to Deputy Superintendents  Sean Alexander: Field Operations Sharon Efstathiou: Shift Commander Paul Giannetti: Shift Commander Taishana Lewis: Community Initiatives & Services Elizabeth Rimas: Training & Quality Improvement “Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement,” said Chief Hooley. “These promotions reflect not only your exceptional skill and dedication, but also the trust your colleagues and this department place in you. As leaders, your actions set the tone and standard for those around you—and your impact will be felt far beyond the walls of EMS, throughout every neighborhood we serve.” Boston EMS is one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 140,000 emergency medical incidents per year.