Press Release: 8/28/2025

Governor Healey Issues Statement on Vandalism of Lance Corporal William Joseph Donovan Jr. Memorial Bridge

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

8/27/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Karissa Hand, Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement regarding vandalism of the Lance Corporal William Joseph Donovan Jr. Memorial Bridge. Earlier this week, flags honoring Donovan, a two-time Purple Heart recipient and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School who tragically died in a motorcycle crash at age 27, were torn down.

“Destroying the American flag is an insult to everyone who’s ever fought to defend it — and it will not be tolerated. Lance Cpl. William Joseph Donovan Jr. was a hero, and my heart goes out to his loved ones. I’ll always stand with our veterans and their families,” said Governor Healey. “At my direction, the Massachusetts State Police are working in close coordination with the Yarmouth Police Department to investigate this incident, including surveillance to prevent crimes like this in the future. We urge anyone with information about this act of vandalism to contact the Yarmouth Police Department or Massachusetts State Police.”