BOSTON – State Representative James Arena-DeRosa (8 th Middlesex District) proudly
honored Bobby Blair of Holliston today at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held
in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber.
Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a
lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state, and community leaders to honor those
whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a
member of their local military community—whether a veteran, active-duty service member,
National Guard, Reservist, or military spouse—to be honored during the ceremony. More than
125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from
districts across Massachusetts.
“I’m proud to recognize Bobby Blair for his military service at today’s ceremony at the State
House,” said Representative James Arena-DeRosa. “In addition to his own military service,
Bobby’s decades of community involvement include serving as Commander of American Legion
Post 47 and VFW Post 8507, co-founding and serving on the Executive Board of the Holliston
Food Pantry, serving as a member of the Holliston Fire Department, and organizing numerous
veteran benefits and community events. Bobby has also served on numerous town boards and
for many years organized a town-wide memorial for military members who lost their lives in
service by posting their name, rank, and age on telephone poles across town each Memorial
and Veteran’s Day. Bobby is also an author, farmer, and respected authority on local Holliston
history. His contributions to the Town of Holliston reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication
of our local military community, and I’m honored to celebrate him at this statewide event.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim
Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a
keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
“This event is about gratitude,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re here to honor the
everyday heroes—veterans, active-duty service members, and military families—whose
courage, strength, and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military
Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition and one we’ll proudly carry forward each
year.”
“Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the
country,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This day is about uplifting the stories and
contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go
unrecognized.”
“Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire,” said
Secretary Jon Santiago. “As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to
honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for
service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform—and those who stand beside them.”
“My father’s service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own —
and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across
Massachusetts,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It is a privilege to honor
those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly
grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice.”
“It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber,”
said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. “This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation
for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our
Commonwealth.”
The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Boston native
and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke
about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those
who serve across generations.
“It’s an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply
committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I’ve long believed:
that service is not just what we do in uniform—it’s a lifetime of leadership, character, and
sacrifice,” said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. I’m proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the
values they represent.”
The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native
and NBC’s The Voice finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees
and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends
Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency
assistance to military families and families of the fallen.
To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees, click here.
Congratulations Mayor, very well deserved.