Patrick-Murray Admistration Comes Together to Offer Veterans and Families a Free Day in the Park

GARDNER — Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services (DVS) together with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Massachusetts National Guard “Operation Total Warrior” (OTW) reintegration program are hosting “Veterans’ Appreciation Day in the Park,” tomorrow, September 26 at Dunn State Park in Gardner.

“The Department of Veterans’ Services, the Massachusetts National Guard, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation have created a successful partnership to provide our returning men and women, of all abilities, with the needed services and resources,” said Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services. “More than 19,000 brave Massachusetts men and women have served in Operation’s Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, many of them returning home with injuries. Events such as this will allow us to not only show our deep appreciation for their service, but will also allow us to share those needed resources, free of charge, to our veterans.”

The event is open to veterans and their families and will provide veterans, particularly disabled veterans, with a chance to learn about DCR’s Universal Access Program (UAP). The UAP provides specialized adaptive equipment to person’s with disabilities so that they may utilize the state park’s recreational activities, including kayaking, hiking, and geo-caching. In addition, specialized equipment will be provided for golf and fly-fishing.

“We have received incredible support from DCR and the National Guard along with other state and local agencies as we prepared for this event,” said Secretary of Veterans’ Services Tom Kelley. “Seeing this many people come forward to show appreciation to our veterans solidifies Massachusetts as the national leader for its service to veterans. Showing support and appreciation to our veterans is paramount; programs like the Universal Access Program and events such as this will surely make a difference in their lives.”

In addition to recreational activities, Veteran Support Agencies will be in attendance to provide veterans and family members with resources and services available to them. The collaborative efforts of Massachusetts DVS, DCR and National Guard OTW, extend to other organizations as well. The MBTA will provide cost-free roundtrip service to veterans and families traveling to the event via commuter rail.

"We are very pleased to welcome veterans and their families to DCR's Dunn State Park," said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan, Jr. "I urge all the participants to take advantage of DCR's Universal Access Program and the wonderful opportunities it offers everyone, regardless of physical abilities, to enjoy the great outdoors."

Veterans and their families attending the event will have a chance to enjoy one of Massachusetts beautiful state parks while also learning about the various programs offered at parks throughout the Commonwealth. The Gardner Fire Department will be present to assist and provide children with fire safety training and a chance to climb in the fire truck. Play areas and face painting will be available for children as well.

“The Massachusetts National Guard is proud to be a part of this day in the park for veterans and their families,” said Major James Sahady, spokesperson for the Massachusetts National Guard. “We are especially excited to help organize an event that brings disabled veterans together with the able-bodied for an afternoon of activities that everyone can enjoy. This day not only celebrates the service and sacrifice of our citizen-soldiers, but also the bond between the National Guard and the community it defends.”

# # #