Press Release: 9/23/2026

Massachusetts Recognizes First Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day

Boston – Today, State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) attended the Massachusetts State House observance of S.2189/H.3388, An Act Designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day after being signed into Massachusetts state law. This legislation officially recognizes September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day in Massachusetts. It ensures that the Commonwealth remembers the lives lost to suicide within the Veteran community and raises awareness of the mental health challenges faced by members of the military.

In both Hingham and at the State House today, Senator O’Connor and Representative Meschino recognized and honored the members of our military who have fallen to mental health issues. This day will serve as a reminder that our responsibility to the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country does not end when their service does.

The designation of September 22 follows years of advocacy, including the tireless contributions from the Partyka family, whose son, Sergeant Matthew Partyka, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran from Hingham, died by suicide in 2022. Matthew’s family has been instrumental in raising awareness about Veteran suicide and pushing for legislative change. The Partyka family’s efforts helped bring this issue to the forefront of the agenda within the House of Representatives and the Senate, and their work has been influential in ensuring that Massachusetts officially designates September 22nd as a day of remembrance for Veterans lost to suicide.

“Representative Meschino and I have long championed this legislation alongside members of the veteran community, family members, and friends. The Partyka family, who joined us today, have been instrumental in this day becoming a reality,” said State Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “They have been advocating for awareness of mental health resources and support that are available for service members and veterans in honor of their son, Sergeant Matthew P. Partyka USMC. There are too many families that have experienced this heartbreaking loss.”

“We brought forward this legislation in direct response to the losses that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day is an important step in offering support to both our active service members and veterans.”

This legislation serves to shed light on the tragic and persistent issue of mental health struggles and suicide in our Veteran community.  On average, we lose 7,000 Veterans to suicide each year in the U.S.  In 2020, 1 in 9 suicide deaths in Massachusetts were current or former military personnel.

The law builds upon Massachusetts’ ongoing commitment to improving mental health services for military members and Veterans. In recent years, the Commonwealth has passed key legislation like the SPEED Act and HERO Act, which have expanded mental health resources for Veterans. With the official designation of September 22nd, Massachusetts is the first state to formally recognize this day.

“Thank you to the Healey/Driscoll administration, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services, Secretary Erick Goralnick, Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett for hosting the ceremony at the State House today, and for all the hard work and support in getting this legislation across the finish line. I’d also like to thank and former Hingham VSO Senior Chief Petty Officer Keith Jermyn, USN (Ret.) and Kevin Hertell, creator of the SAR Flag who has worked tirelessly to bring recognition to the veterans’ suicide crises and to honor those we’ve lost,” said Senator O’Connor.

For additional information, please contact Senator O’Connor or Representative Meschino’s office.