Boston, MA – State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) proudly honored Richard “Dick” Hynes of Franklin today 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, 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.

“I’m proud to recognize Richard “Dick” Hynes for his military service and community leadership,” said Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
(D-Franklin). “His contributions reflect the strength, resilience, and dedication of our local military community, and I’m honored to celebrate him at this statewide event. We appreciate his service and efforts (along with VFW Post 3402 Cmdr. Ernest Carruthers) to keep the memories of our 45 fallen soldiers alive with moving ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial on the Franklin Town Common.” This month, those 9 a.m. ceremonies will be held on Franklin Town Common for Howard T. Feeley – WWII (July 5 ), Gerald M. Parmenter – WWII (July 17 ), Alesandro Patete WWI  and Patrick Ristaino – WWI (July 18), and Anthony J. Mucciarone – WWII (July 30).

Hynes served in the Navy as a Medic during the Vietnam War from August 1962 to April 1967. Dick attained the rank of HM2 which is the Hospital Corpsman Second Class and is the largest occupational rating in the Navy. Dick proudly received the National Defense Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal. While serving, he met Judy, his Navy nurse wife of 43 years. 

For the past several years, Hynes has led efforts to honor the 45 Franklin veterans who lost their lives in service to our country. The Town of Franklin has one of the most beautiful Veteran’s Memorial areas in the state, including 45 granite posts which line the Veterans’ Walkway. Each one of these posts is dedicated to a Franklin veteran who gave his life, defending our freedom. 

Under Dick’s leadership, along with Franklin’s Veterans’ organizations, the Edward L. Grant American Legion Post 75, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3402, a program has been developed honor and remember those who died for our nation. This program includes the placing of a Memorial Wreath for the day, the playing of Taps, a salute from those present, and a reading of whatever history we may have on that veteran.

To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees, go to https://www.mass.gov/doc/military-appreciation-day-2025-honoree-list/download.