SENATE, No. 2001

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2001) of Richard T. Moore, William Smitty Pignatelli, Edward G. Connolly and Robert L. Hedlund for legislation to prohibit the sale of abandoned military medals and decorations. Veterans and Federal Affairs

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

In the Year Two Thousand and Five.

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE SALE OF ABANDONED MILITARY MEDALS AND DECORATIONS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Whereas, the deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is forthwith to protect and honor the bravery and memory of those who have served in the United States armed forces by prohibiting the sale of abandoned property in the form of military honor medals, to include decorations, campaign and service medals, therefore, it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public trust.

SECTION 1. The general court finds that:

(a) members of the United States armed forces have consistently answered their nation’s call to duty with honor and bravery;

(b) citizens of the commonwealth serve proudly and with distinction in every branch of the United States armed forces;

(c) citizens of the commonwealth have been recognized for their distinguished service by being honored through the awarding of Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and Medals of Honor, among other commendations and awards;

(d) military awards and decorations are irreplaceable and are unique symbols of the patriotism and distinguished heroism shown by our men and women while serving in uniform;

(e) military awards and decorations are a crucial part of a family’s heritage and history;

(f) military awards and decorations are also an important part of the heritage and culture of the commonwealth.

SECTION 2.  Section 9 of chapter 200A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2002 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-

(g) Notwithstanding subsections (a) to (f), inclusive, all escheated property consisting of military honor medals, decorations, campaign and service medals that are surrendered to the state treasurer shall, after one year of their delivery to her, be transferred by the state treasurer to the commissioner of veterans services who shall, within 30 days of receipt of said medals and decorations, catalogue and forward them to the Massachusetts National Guard Museum. The Massachusetts National Guard Museum shall put on permanent display such medals and decorations. The museum shall destroy, in a manner consistent with the United States armed forces’ disposal practices for the American flag and other items of like patriotic significance should said medals and decoration be taken off display or are unsuitable for display due to wear and tear.