Jason Welch posthumously receives Medal of Fidelity

  This week Everett High School Class of 2000 graduate Jason Welch posthumously received the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity, which was accepted on his behalf by his mother, Robin Abbott, at the Massachusetts Memorial Day Ceremony held at the State House. Jason, a former EHS football standout, joined the U.S. Army in 2004 and served overseas in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Medal of Fidelity was signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker and is presented to the next of kin of service members or veterans who have died due to illness related to war. Five others joined Welch in this honor while five more were also honored with the Medal of Liberty, which is presented to the next of kin for servicemembers who were killed in active duty.

  “It was truly an honor to witness this event today,” said Rep. Joe McGonagle. “To gather with Gold Star family members and servicemembers to remember the fallen is a really special experience. Robin Abbott and the rest of the Gold Star families do such a great job at honoring their loved ones and I’m glad I got to see Jason’s legacy remembered today.”

  The event included remarks from Executive Office of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Military Friends Foundation Executive Director Sarah Sweeney, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll and The Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard Major General Gary Keefe as well as a selection of songs performed by the Massachusetts National Guard’s 215th Army Band.