Memorial Day 2024 – Gold Star Wife receives medal on behalf of her late husband, a Vietnam War veteran who died from service-connected wounds decades after his service

By Mark E. Vogler

Near the end of last Saturday’s (May 25) Memorial Day observance in Riverside Cemetery, Saugus honored Donna Whittemore-Farris – one of its Gold Star Wives – with the state’s new Medal of Fidelity Award. Whittemore-Farris is the widow of U.S. Army veteran Everett Farris, who served in the Vietnam War from February 1966 to February 1969. Whittemore-Farris blames his death (2010) on exposure to chemicals, which left him paralyzed years after his Vietnam service. He was a decorated veteran who served in the Anti-Tank Company of the 169th Infantry Regiment.

“The Medal of Fidelity is among the first medals of its kind presented by the Commonwealth to recognize veterans who have lost their lives as the result of service-connected illness and injuries,” Saugus Veterans Services Officer Paul J. Cancelliere told the crowd during the special presentation.

Cancelliere noted that the Medal of Fidelity compliments the Medal of Liberty presented by the state. “The Medal of Fidelity recognizes the enormous toll of exposures during combat that may last many years beyond the battles. The Medal of Fidelity also recognizes service-connected illnesses and injuries diminishing a service member’s quality of life,” Cancelliere said.

“The Medal of Fidelity represents our commitment to honor sacrifices made by veterans and their families,” he said.

Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti presented the medal to Whittemore-Farris, who is an active Gold Star Wife in the Saugus community and a frequent participant in veterans-related events.