Home Base

Sights and sounds from iconic Memorial Day Flag Garden

May 21, 2025 — Flag Planting

Despite unseasonable weather, nearly 600 volunteers joined Home Base to create the iconic Memorial Day Flag Garden on Boston Common. More than 37,000 American flags were planted in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to represent and honor every brave Massachusetts Service Member who lost their life serving our Nation since the Revolutionary War.

Media coverage of the Memorial Day Flag Garden included:

We extend special thanks to our lead sponsor, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, for their ongoing commitment to this breathtaking tribute and support of Massachusetts Families of the Fallen as well as champion sponsor, John Hancock, and patriot sponsor, Eastern Bank, for their generosity.

Click here to view images from this year’s flag planting.

May 22, 2025 — Name Reading Ceremony

The following day, Home Base honored all post-9/11 Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and their Families with a moving name reading ceremony inside the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House, due to inclement weather.

Members of Families of the Fallen honored their loved ones by reading their names, while featured speakers included Home Base Executive Director Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond and Chief Operating Officer Michael Allard, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, and Massachusetts Adjutant General Major General Gary W. Keefe.

For the second year in a row, a yellow wreath was laid during the ceremony to mark expanded outreach to pre-9/11 Military Bereaved Families.

Click here to view images from this year’s name reading ceremony.

Please also click here to read General Hammond’s Memorial Day letter.

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