Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Dedication with Governor & Mrs. Baker
16 December 2021 | 1:00PM State House, Ashburton Park
Families of the Fallen may RSVP by clicking HERE.
Military Friends Foundation invites you to join our Tenth Annual Gold Star Families Tree Dedication to pay tribute to our Massachusetts Service Members who gave their lives in service to our Nation and the families who carry their legacy forward.
Following the dedication a private reception for families of the Fallen will be held at the UMASS Club with Governor and Mrs. Baker from 2-3:30PM. RSVP is required by December 14, 2021 for any families of the Fallen wishing to attend the reception. Should you have any questions, please contact us at 1-84-HELP-VETS.
We wish to extend special thanks to the Office of the Governor, Mrs. Lauren Baker, MA General Court, MA Department of Veterans’ Services, Bureau of State Office Buildings, and Boston Athletic Association/Boston Marathon for their continued support of this event.
We invite all in attendance to share photos of the tree on social media so that those who cannot attend can still share in the event. The official event hashtags are #MilitaryFriendsFoundation #MAGoldStarTree.
COVID-19 SAFETY EVENT GUIDELINES:
(As of December 1, 2021 – check back often for updates) Thank you for respecting the event COVID-19 guidelines for the safety and health of all event attendees. The outdoor ceremony may have attendees in close proximity and if you are unvaccinated and unable to maintain social distancing please wear a mask. Gold Star Family members who have RSVP’d to the private reception will need to wear a mask inside the UMASS Club unless they are seated while eating/drinking. Please check back often for updates as guidelines may change at anytime.
BRING A 2×3 INCH PHOTO OF YOUR LOVED ONE:
This year’s dedication ceremony will take place outdoors. In place of the traditional ornament decorating, 2×3 inch photo holders will be available if any family wishes to bring a 2×3 inch photo of their loved one to place on the tree. Families are welcome to arrive at 12:30PM to affix the ornament. Please note photos will not be able to be returned.
TREE VIEWING:
After the dedication, the Gold Star Families Tree will be on display through December 25, 2021 outside at the Ashburton Park at the Massachusetts State House. The public is welcome to view the tree. The Park Street Station T stop is 2 blocks away and paid parking is also available.
ABOUT THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES TREE: Annually Military Friends Foundation hosts the dedication of the “Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree”. The tree pays tribute to local Service Members who have been killed-in-action, lost their lives on active duty, from hidden wounds of war, or died related to their military or public service. Photos and messages from loved ones are displayed on the tree and serve to remind us of the tremendous sacrifices made for our Freedoms. This project is a partnership between the Military Friends Foundation, the Office of the Governor and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. This project is supported by Tough Ruck 26.2 – held in partnership with the Boston Marathon Tough Ruck 26.2 – fueled by the Boston Marathon.