The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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DEVAL L. PATRICK GOVERNOR TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Executive Department State House  ·  Boston 02133 (617) 725-4000

October 26, 2007.

To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives:

   Pursuant to Article LVI, as amended by Article XC, Section 3 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am returning to you for amendment House Bill No. 3503, “An Act Designating a Certain Bridge In The Town Of Dalton As The Benjamin-Muraca Memorial Bridge.”

   This bill is intended to designate a bridge in Dalton to honor two fallen veterans, Gary Thomas Benjamin and Patrick John Muraca. Both were killed in action in Vietnam.  It is important to honor and remember the many American soldiers who have sacrificed their safety, and unfortunately for too many their lives, serving our country.  As enacted, however, the legislation incorrectly hyphenates one of the veterans’ names as Patrick-John Muraca, instead of Patrick John Muraca. 

I, therefore, recommend that House Bill No. 3503 be amended by striking out the first sentence of the bill and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:-

The bridge No. D-01-005 on Route 8 spanning the Housatonic River in the town of Dalton shall be designated and known as the Benjamin-Muraca Memorial Bridge, in the memory of Gary    Thomas Benjamin and Patrick John Muraca, Vietnam veterans who were killed in action.

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                       DEVAL L. PATRICK,

                                                                 Governor.