GOOD DEEDS: The True meaning of – "Support the Troops"

This month, we observe Memorial Day to honor and remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. With this in mind, I want to take a moment to reflect about the true meaning of "support the troops." For me, as the father of a Service Member, supporting our troops goes beyond a simple gesture. It means actively getting involved and reaching out to the brave men and women whose commitment and service to our country is both unwavering and inspiring. By truly supporting our troops in a meaningful way, we can honor their sacrifices and show our gratitude for their dedication to protecting our freedoms.

In the spirit of one of the United States Army's 10 principles of leadership, leading by example, I want to share with you a few ways that we at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds have not only shown our support but acted on that principle to hopefully inspire others to do the same.

Providing clothing donations to Veteran organizations is a simple yet impactful way to show appreciation for our Veterans. This small act to benefit Veterans can make a significant difference in their lives.

In 2016, the Registry of Deeds made a commitment to the Veteran Affairs Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service program by expanding the Registry's "Suits for Success" program to include Veterans, starting with Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center. Since that time, this partnership has grown to include the West Roxbury VA Medical Center and the Brockton VA Medical Center. Since the Registry started the "Suits for Success" program in February 2009, it has collected and distributed more than 11,500 articles of clothing to local non-profit groups throughout southern Massachusetts.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell delivers clothes to Mary Peak and staff, VA Boston Healthcare System Voluntary Service program.

Another way to show your support is by sharing the story of a fallen hero. By telling their stories, it ensures that their legacy lives on and that future generations will remember the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.

In November 2023, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds celebrated the Veterans of Norfolk County with an open house and the release of our third volume of Notable Land Records titled "We Remember Our Veterans."

These stories allow us to honor the sacrifices made by Veterans and gain a deeper understanding of why it is crucial to support and care for our Veterans today.

The evening's event took on a special significance as Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago, the highest-ranking state Veteran's official in the Commonwealth, spoke about the role of Veterans and the sacrifices they make on behalf of our freedoms.

From left Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell, Jeanette Rose-Gutshall, a Gold Star wife from Weymouth, and Massachusetts Veterans' Services Secretary Jon Santiago

Lastly you can actively participate in the Veteran community. You can show respect on Memorial Day by going to a national cemetery or war memorial, putting flowers or flags on the graves of Veterans, or going to a local parade or ceremony. Another option to be active in the Veteran community and show your support is to talk to a Veteran or Veterans' group.

Recently, I had the honor to meet with the Veterans and Veteran Family Members of Braintree American Legion Post 86 to share some of the programs and services that are available through the Registry of Deeds. During that event it was my pleasure to sign a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve, joining others throughout the United States in pledging that I fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act and will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

So, I hope that this Memorial Day, you will join with me and your fellow Americans in not only showing your support but also taking the time to be active in the Veteran community so that we can all truly reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform and express our gratitude for their service and dedication to this great Country, the United States of America.

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell