Linda is a Patriot…

There are few things that strike at my core quite like our nation’s veterans. Like many of us, I am fully aware of the sacrifice and struggle vets have endured since the Boston campaign, the very essence of that sacrifice provides me the freedom to write about it tonight. It’s these freedoms that enticed so many of our ancestors to make their way to America for a shot at a better life, including the family of Dorchester’s own Linda Forry. It would be hard for me to go at length about the history of Haiti but, I am fully aware that Linda’s ancestral homeland has had its share of political strife. With that in mind I feel it’s safe to assume that the Dorcena family instilled a deep love of America and everything it could offer her if she just worked hard.

We all know that Linda did not disappoint. She has become the first Haitian American state senator in Massachusetts history…..and today she paid it forward.

Linda’s first budget amendment passed today, she managed to secure $250,000 in funding which will be used to create a permanent memorial for Iraq & Afghanistan Fallen Heroes. 

I couldn’t be more proud of her!

Here is a post from her Facebook page :

As Memorial Day approaches, the Massachusetts State Senate continued their tradition of observing Memorial Day with a Veterans Memorial Service. “It was a moving ceremony and each member participated by reading the names of those who passed from their district,” said Senator Linda Dorcena Forry. The service included remarks by Senate President Therese Murray, Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services Coleman Nee, Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs Senator Michael Rush, Senate Ways and Means Chairman Stephen Brewer and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. Prior to the event, an amendment was unanimously adopted to dedicate $250,000 towards the construction of The Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial. The amendment was filed by Senator Linda Dorcena Forry and co-sponsored by Senator Rush and Senator Kenneth Donnelly. This will serve as the official memorial of the Commonwealth to honor all Post 9-11 Veterans of Massachusetts who died while serving their country in Iraq, Afghanistan and all other military operations around the world. It will be located in the South Boston Seaport Waterfront District in South Boston.

“I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for voting to approve the Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes Memorial,” said Senator Forry (D – Dorchester). “As we pause this Memorial Day to remember veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedom, it is fitting that the Massachusetts Senate has approved this funding to ensure that a permanent memorial is erected to honor those who have died in service for our country since the 9-11 terrorist attacks,” concluded Forry.

“As Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, I am pleased to have been a co-sponsor of this amendment,” said Senator Rush (D – West Roxbury). “It is important we remember those who have given their lives for this country. With this particular funding the Commonwealth is making a commitment to remember our Iraq & Afghanistan Fallen Heroes.”

“We can sometimes forget, as we go about our busy lives, our countrymen who have given their lives fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. This memorial will serve as a reminder of the work and sacrifice of these fine members of our military and the price that is paid defending freedom around the world,” said Senator Kenneth Donnelly (D – Arlington).