Rep. Giannino honors Richard T. Serino, Sr. at inaugural statewide Military Appreciation Day

Special to The Advocate

State Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere) proudly honored Revere’s Richard T. Serino, Sr. at the first-ever Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber. Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state and community leaders to honor those whose service might otherwise go unrecognized. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community — whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard member, Reservist or military spouse — to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals who exemplify commitment to service and community were recognized from districts across Massachusetts.

“Growing up in Revere, I always knew Richie as a police officer, the friendly face on the motorcycle who served our community for decades. What I didn’t realize until later in life was the depth of his service to our country as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam era. Honoring him today at the State House was incredibly special. It was a chance not only to recognize his military service, but also to let him and others like him know that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. I’m proud to call him a neighbor and even more proud to recognize him as a hero,” said Representative Giannino.

Richard Serino, Sr. of Revere is a humble family man – a proud husband, father and grandfather – and he is an equally proud veteran of the US Marine Corps. Richie takes to heart his values, love for his country and the camaraderie of the U.S. Marine Corps that were instilled in him during his service. Richie enlisted in the Marines in the spring 1967 and served for three years during the Vietnam era, being honorably discharged as a Sgt. E-5 in 1970. He left for training at Parris Island on the eve of his 19th birthday on April 4, 1967, and from March 1968 to April 1969 was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. There, he was in the 3rd Force Service Regiment Camp at Camp Courtney, and part of his responsibilities included processing the belongings of the fallen Marines of Vietnam to be sent back to their families in the United States.

Upon completion of his military service, Richie returned to Revere, where he continued the path of public service. For over 30 years, he was a patrolman on the Revere Police Department, known around the city as being the motorcycle traffic officer. During his tenure as a police officer, he dedicated himself to protecting and serving the community he has called home for his entire life. Richie is a patriotic American and is known around the city and area for making people smile with festive seasonal lawn displays on his home.

The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago and Senate President Karen Spilka and a keynote address by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“This event is about gratitude,” said Governor Healey. “We’re here to honor the everyday heroes — veterans, active-duty service members and military families — whose courage, strength and commitment continue to shape our state for the better. Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition and one we’ll proudly carry forward each year.”

“Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This day is about uplifting the stories and contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized.”

“Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire,” said Secretary Santiago. “As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform — and those who stand beside them.”

“My father’s service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own — and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across Massachusetts,” said Senate President Spilka. “It is a privilege to honor those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice.”

The keynote address delivered by General Dunford, a Boston native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history. General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations. “It’s an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I’ve long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform — it’s a lifetime of leadership, character and sacrifice,” said General Dunford. “I’m proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent.”

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC’s “The Voice” finalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.