LOWELL — The first-ever Military Appreciation Day in Massachusetts took place at the State House Thursday, recognizing veterans and active military members statewide.
Among those honored was Cliff Krieger, a Belvidere resident and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate from the class of 1964.
Krieger’s journey in aviation began at the age of 16 when he soloed as a pilot, leading him to a distinguished military career.
“It was an honor to participate in this first-ever Massachusetts event and to receive certificates from Senator Ed Kennedy and Governor Maura Healey,” Krieger shared in a text message on Saturday.
However, he emphasized that the true privilege was joining fellow veterans, highlighting their shared commitment to peace and service.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Healey-Driscoll administration, aims to create an ongoing annual tradition honoring those who served their nation and communities.
Each legislator nominated a member from their local military community — whether a veteran, active-duty service member, reservist, or military family member — to be part of the ceremony, organized by the Executive Office of Veterans Services.
State Senator Ed Kennedy, who nominated Krieger for the honor, remarked, “Cliff’s thirty years of military service and his civic leadership in Lowell reflect his sincere dedication to our country and community.”
The ceremony celebrated over 125 individuals, each receiving an official citation and a challenge coin, recognizing their contributions to both military and civilian life.
Key speakers included Governor Maura Healey; Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll; Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago; Senate President Karen Spilka; and retired General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., who delivered the keynote address.
Governor Healey stated, “This event is about gratitude. 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.”
This occasion marks Military Appreciation Day as a Massachusetts tradition, promised to be continued annually.
Krieger’s military career saw him through various assignments, starting with pilot training in Selma, Alabama, followed by training on the F-4C Phantom at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and a deployment to Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam.
His service extended across the globe, with tours at Bitburg Air Base in Germany and Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, where he supported Cambodian military operations, among many other assignments in England, Italy, the Philippines, and Alaska.
After retiring from the Air Force, Krieger moved to Lowell in 1994, where he and his wife, Martha, continue to contribute to their community.
Krieger remains active at the civic level as a member of Lowell’s Licensing Commission and co-hosts a community-centered live show called “City Life,” which airs weekdays from 6 to 8 a.m.
Several other veterans from Greater Lowell and North Central Massachusetts were also honored during the event, including Jacquelynn Coles, Andeth Vann, William Flanagan, John Boroski, Corin Campbell, Joseph Patrick Gill Jr., Michael Kendrick, Meagan Murphy, William Saladini, Charles Sanderson, Paul Troy, Richard Voutour, and Frederick Walor.
In a related note, the city of Lowell is hosting a Memorial Day Commemoration event on Saturday, May 31, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at JFK Plaza, 50 Arcand Drive.
The event will feature the Lowell Police Honor Guard performing the posting of colors, with the Pledge of Allegiance led by local Scouts of America.
Attendees can also enjoy a touch-a-truck experience and food trucks available on-site.
Hosted by Lowell’s Veterans Commission, the event aims to promote patriotism and honor veterans and fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
For further details on the Memorial Day event, interested parties can contact 978-674-4000.
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