MASSACHUSETTS – This Memorial Day, bridges and landmarks across Massachusetts will glow gold as part of Operation Gold Star, a statewide tribute honoring the men and women who gave their lives in military service.
The initiative was championed by the Military Friends Foundation and signed into law as part of The HERO Act by Governor Maura Healey on August 8, 2024. The effort is being carried out in collaboration with the state legislature, MassDOT, and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services.
Sarah Sweeney, Executive Director of the Military Friends Foundation, said the gold illumination carries deep meaning for military families.
“Gold is very poignant because it is often known as a symbol that represents Gold Star families within the military community” says Sweeney.
Sweeney hopes the glowing landmarks encourage reflection and remembrance across the Commonwealth.
“When people see these bridges lit in gold, we hope they pause and remember not only those who have made that ultimate sacrifice, but the families that carry that loss every single day” according to Sweeney.
Founded in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, the Military Friends Foundation has spent nearly 25 years providing emergency assistance, community support, and outreach to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and Gold Star families throughout Massachusetts.
Sweeney explained that the organization often responds directly to families facing crisis situations.
“A parent is deployed overseas right now, and the family back at home suffered a catastrophic loss due to a fire” recalls Sweeney. “We were able to be there the same day to provide tangible support to make sure the children had a bed to sleep in”.
In addition to emergency assistance, the organization also coordinates military homecoming celebrations and community-building events for military families. According to Sweeney, the foundation operates entirely through private support and volunteer efforts.
“Our organization is funded 100% through private individual donations…and that support over the past 24 plus years has allowed us to provide millions of dollars in direct aid to military families here in the Commonwealth” mentions Sweeney.
As Massachusetts approaches Memorial Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Sweeney said Operation Gold Star serves as a visible reminder of the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
“Since the Revolutionary War, more than 33,000 individuals from Massachusetts have given their lives in service from the Commonwealth…Our hope is that Operation Gold Star is a continuation of that recognition” says Sweeney.
To learn more about Operation Gold Star or support the Military Friends Foundation, visit Military Friends Foundation.
