June 2, 2026 Submitted by the Office of State Senator Patrick O’Connor
State Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth) proudly honored Senior Chief Petty Officer Keith Jermyn, USN (Ret.) of Hingham at the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber.
Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts.
The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George ‘Chris’ Hackler, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Senior Commander of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony. This year’s 138 honorees were recognized and presented with an official Governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.
Veterans residing in the communities Senator O’Connor represents recognized during the ceremony included Joshua Summers of Marshfield, Thomas Daley of Cohasset, and Sean McPherson of Weymouth.
“Military Appreciation Day is about recognizing the people across Massachusetts who step up to serve something bigger than themselves,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our veterans, service members and military families strengthen our communities every single day through their leadership, sacrifice and commitment to others. As an administration, we are committed to making Massachusetts the best state in the country for veterans and military families, from transforming care at our Veterans Homes to expanding services and support across the state. We are proud to honor this year’s recipients and grateful for all they have done, and continue to do, for Massachusetts and our country.”
“I’m proud to recognize Keith Jermyn for his extraordinary military service and contributions to our Veterans,” said Senator O’Connor. “His 28 years of military service in the Navy, his leadership during his time as Hingham’s Director of Veterans Services, as well as his work as the Regional Representative to the National Suicide and Awareness Flag Corporation reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication he has shown to the local military community. I’m honored to celebrate Keith and recognize his work to help get Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in the Commonwealth passed into law.”
“It was a privilege to stand before those who have given so much, including members of the Gold Star Wives and Families,” said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. “As we reflect on the service of our honorees today, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to stand by them—ensuring they have the resources, respect, and opportunities they deserve—not just today, but every day.”
The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by SGT Amy Fichera, 215th Army Band, MA National Guard. 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.
Military Appreciation Month observances conclude on Monday, May 25, with formal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon.
View a full list of 2026 Military Appreciation Day honorees on Mass.gov.
For more information, please contact Senator O’Connor’s office.