MA Gold Star Families Tree
Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree with Governor Charlie Baker
December 8, 2022 at 2:30PM | Massachusetts State House
This year’s Gold Star Families Tree display pays tribute to our Massachusetts Service Members who gave their lives in service to our Nation and the families who carry their legacy forward. Ornaments from their loved ones will be displayed on the tree and serve to remind of the tremendous sacrifices made for our Freedoms. All are welcome to attend and no RSVP required. Please see event details below or contact Military Friends Foundation at 1-84-HELP-VETS or email info@militaryfriends.org for more information.
ORNAMENT DISPLAY AND SUBMISSION: Families of Fallen Service Members are invited to bring a wallet sized photo to place on the tree. We welcome families to join at 2PM in Nurses Hall (attached to Memorial Hall) to prepare and place ornaments on the tree prior to the ceremony. Military Friends Foundation volunteers will have a laminator and ornament holders and will be ready to assist you. Please note while limited photos from prior years may be available, please bring a new photo if you want ensure your loved one has a photo for the tree. Families of the Fallen may also choose to decorate an ornament with their loved ones name. Supplies will be available for families.
TREE VIEWING: The Gold Star Families Tree will be on display through the month of December in Memorial Hall (2nd floor), Massachusetts State House.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION: The GPS address for the Massachusetts State House is 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA.
Limited meter parking in available on Beacon Street.
The Boston Common Garage and
1 Beacon Garage are the closest garages. Please visit their websites for parking costs and other details. The Park Street T stop is the closest public transportation station.
Courier Bus from Western MA: A passenger bus will be leaving Ludlow Big Y parking lot courtesy of the VFW SGT. Joshua D. Desforges Post 3236 Ludlow, MA for the Gold Star Families Tree Lighting. This is open to all Families of the Fallen free of charge. Please contact Kenny Melanson directly to reserve your seat for the bus transport at 413-324-6380.
10:30AM: Meet at Ludlow Big Y parking lot
10:45AM: Bus departs 1045 am
11:30AM (approximately): Pick-Up at Framingham Park and Ride
5PM: Leave Statehouse 5 pm approximately if bus is loaded and all are accounted for approximate return 7pm. Stops at Framingham Park and Ride and Big Y Ludlow.
Families of Fallen Service Members can email info@militaryfriends.org with your name, name of your fallen hero, address, email and phone number by December 5th to receive a $50 Visa card towards transportation expenses. Cards can be picked-up at the check-in table at the event. Requests received after December 5th can be taken at event check-in and cards will be mailed after the event.
ABOUT THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES TREE: Military Friends Foundation hosts the annual 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 and the Office of the Governor. This project is supported by Tough Ruck 26.2 – held in partnership with the Boston Marathon Tough Ruck.
