MASSACHUSETTS – This Memorial Day, bridges and landmarks across Massachusetts will be illuminated in gold to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The statewide tribute, known as Operation Gold Star, was championed by Military Friends Foundation and signed into law as part of The HERO Act by Governor Maura Healey on August 8, 2024.
“The gold is a symbol of love, loss and legacy, as the bridges are illuminated across the state, we hope it sends a message to families who have made the ultimate sacrifice that their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Sarah Sweeney, executive director of the Military Friends Foundation.
Operation Gold Star is described in Massachusetts legislative language as a Memorial Day illumination of “landmarks and bridges across the Commonwealth” in gold to recognize those lost in military service. The effort is a collaboration between the legislature, Military Friends Foundation, MassDOT, and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services. The community is encouraged to share photographs of these illuminations #OperationGoldStar #MilitaryFriendsFoundation
The listed landmarks include the Gold Star Families Bridge in Lynn, Zakim Bridge in Boston, Longfellow Bridge in Boston, Fore River Bridge in Quincy/Weymouth and Burns Bridge in Shrewsbury/Worcester.