Senator Moore Encourages Eligible Individuals to Apply for Recognition
BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) is highlighting the so-called ‘Medal of Liberty’ which is a Massachusetts military decoration created by the Legislature back in 2009. Since its creation, the award has been presented to 145 families of military members who died in service to the United States of America.
According to statute, the Medal of Liberty is awarded to the next-of-kin of servicemen and servicewomen from the Commonwealth who were killed in action or who died in service while in a designated combat area in the line of duty or who died as a result of wounds received in action.
The National Guard is ultimately charged with identifying recipients and making recommendations to the Governor for the awarding of the Medal of Liberty. According to information obtained from the Federal Veterans Administration and the Department of Veterans Services, more than 10,000 Massachusetts citizens have made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts including WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
“All Bay State families that have lost a loved one in service to our Nation are welcome to take advantage of this recognition opportunity,” said Senator Moore. “By spreading awareness about this award, we can renew focus on the service members’ contributions to promote freedom on the homefront and abroad.”
To learn more about the Medal of Liberty and to submit an application to the National Guard for review, please click below or contact your local Veterans’ Services Officer.