Press Release  Secretary Santiago Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans in Worcester, Visits Project New Hope Inc.

Worcester — Commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the United States’ withdrawal of troops from Vietnam, Executive Office of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jon Santiago paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of Massachusetts veterans at the Vietnam War Veterans’ Day ceremony in Worcester on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Secretary Santiago was joined by local officials including Mayor Joseph Petty, City Manager Eric Batista and City of Worcester Veterans’ Services director Alex Arriaga.

Santiago spoke to an audience of Vietnam veterans and their families about the importance of honoring the sacrifices of those who served and rededicating ourselves to the ideals of sacrifice and service. After the speaking program, Santiago, joined by Gold Star Wives, laid a commemorative wreath at the Memorial site in memory of the more than 1,500 Massachusetts men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

“Like the families of those who lost a loved one and our Vietnam Veterans, each one of us here today bears a responsibility to live a life that honors that sacrifice, and to ensure that it was not lost in vain,” said Santiago. “Today’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day is a poignant reminder of the need to expand services and resources to support our veterans.”

“I want to recognize the organizers of today’s event and thank Secretary Santiago for attending,” said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. “I’m proud that the City of Worcester is home to the Commonwealth’s Vietnam Memorial and I want to recognize the continued contribution from the state delegation who keep this memorial beautiful.”

“I am grateful to Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services Jon Santiago for his visit to Worcester to learn more about the needs of our veteran community and honor our Vietnam veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans’ Day,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “The City of Worcester is proud to host the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at Green Hill Park and remains committed to preserving the memory of all veterans who have bravely served our country.”

“I would like to thank Secretary Jon Santiago for visiting the City of Worcester today and engaging in meaningful conversations with our community partners, veterans, and their families to learn about the needs in the city,” said Worcester Director of Veterans’ Services Alex Arriaga.

Earlier in the day, Secretary Santiago, State Senator Anne Gobi, State Representative David LeBoeuf, and Director Arriaga visited Project New Hope Inc. and met with Executive Director Bill Moore and staff to discuss the organization’s mission to support for veterans and their families. Project New Hope Inc. operates a food bank, sponsors retreats for veterans, and assist veterans in navigating access to government programs.

“We were honored that Secretary Santiago was able to visit and tour Project New Hope to meet with our staff and learn about our veteran retreats, Sully’s Baby and Food Pantries, Connecting the Dots Case Management and other resources we provide in Central Mass. As a fellow veteran, Secretary Santiago understands the needs of veterans and our families. I am thankful for his enthusiasm to meet three weeks into his term as Secretary and look forward to working with him and his team to serve our veterans each day here in Central Mass,” said Bill Moore.

For more information about the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, visit mass.gov/veterans.

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