BRAVE Act continues commitment to support and honor military veterans on Memorial Day
As I was walking through the Boston Common the other day, I couldn’t help but pause to observe the lawn full of American flags. Organized annually by the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, the 37,000+ flags represent every brave Massachusetts service member who gave his or her life defending our country since the Revolutionary War. It was spectacular, and a visualization of the sacrifice Massachusetts veterans have made our country.
On this Memorial Day, the Massachusetts House of Representatives honors those who gave their live in active military service.
This past Wednesday, we passed the “BRAVE” Act to further our dedication to veterans in Massachusetts. It deals with paid military leave, tax exemptions, medical care and burial exemptions to improve the quality of life for veterans. Our bill builds upon the Commonwealth’s legacy as a national leader for the number of programs and services it offers to military personnel, veterans and their families.
The bill provides new financial supports to families including:
- Creates a $1,000 active-duty death benefit, in addition to any annuity the person would have received;
- Increases the amount a deceased veteran’s estate may receive to assist with funeral and burial expenses from $2,000 to $4,000.
Recognizing that many people who serve in the military have specialized medical training, the legislation makes it easier for military personnel to become EMTs once they return home.
Lastly, under this legislation every municipality in the Commonwealth will now designate one parking space at its town or city hall as “veterans-only parking.”
This bill will ensure that Massachusetts never forgets the sacrifices of our veterans and their families. As we celebrate Memorial Day, I hope we keep in mind what this holiday is truly about and thank those who have served for giving us the freedom we all enjoy.
