Sen. Brendan Crighton and State Rep. Jenny Armini honored David Rodgers of Marblehead Thursday at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber.
Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. This new, annual tradition was launched this year by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in partnership with the Massachusetts Legislature.
The EOVS was established March 1 to elevate the former department to a cabinet-level secretariat, and it has allowed for increased oversight and professionalism in the administration of veterans’ benefits, including the expansion of programs and services as well as increased advocacy on behalf of the veteran community.
Held during National Military Appreciation Month, this event offered a special opportunity to honor the service, sacrifice and continued contributions of the Commonwealth’s veterans, service members and military families.
Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community – whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist or military spouse – to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.
“We are proud to include David as an honoree during the first Military Appreciation Day at the State House,” Crighton said. “David’s service to our country as a member of the United States Navy, and to our veterans as the former Veterans Service Agent in Marblehead, are exemplary of his commitment to his country and his community.”
Armini emphasized that “Rodgers has left an indelible mark on Marblehead.”
“From his decades of service in the Navy to his tireless advocacy for local veterans, Dave embodies what it means to lead a life of purpose and public service,” Armini said. “It’s fitting that he is being honored at this inaugural ceremony. He represents the very best of our town and Commonwealth.”
Rodgers said this is “quite an honor,” and he feels “blessed” to have been recognized by the State for his service.
The ceremony featured remarks from Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka and a keynote address by Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
“The event is about gratitude,” Healey said. “We’re here to honor the everyday heroes – veterans, active-duty service members and military families – whose courage, strength and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition – and one we’ll proudly carry forward each year.”
A Boston native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership and community – and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.
“It’s an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I’ve long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform – it’s a lifetime of leadership, character and sacrifice,” Dunford said. “I’m so proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent.”
The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation: a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.
To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees, visit tinyurl.com/Military-Appreciation-Day.
