LYNN — The bridge at 194 Lynnway has been renamed to the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Memorial Bridge as a dedication to the families of late veterans.
The “Gold Star” label is reserved for families of veterans lost as a result of hostile action, combat operations, or international terrorism. Since World War II, there have been more than 450 Gold Star family members from Lynn.
At the renaming ceremony on Wednesday, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation presented replicas of the bridge sign to Gold Star family attendees as a gift of remembrance.
“The courage and bravery of your loved ones live on in the hearts of everyone here and all who will visit this park and walk over this bridge in years to come. We hope this space will bring a sense of peace, reflection, and pride to all who visit,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle.
Mayor Jared Nicholson, Sen. Brendan Crighton, and Rep. Sean Reid spoke about the bridge’s symbolic presence in Lynn.
“This structure is more than just steel and concrete,” Nicholson said. “It’s a permanent, visible testament to that sacrifice. The people of Lynn feel the weight of this honor. Our city is a place of history and resilience and is uniquely suited to be the keeper of this remembrance. It is now an integral part of our identity as a community, and it will demand that we continually rise to a higher standard of citizenship and support.”
Crighton said, “We’re proud this is in Lynn, but this is for the entire Commonwealth. This is the gateway to the North Shore, so you will have the chance to remember our Gold Star families every time you pass through.”
Reid said, “This dedication reminds us that remembrance is not a single act but an ongoing promise that we never forget. We are so honored to have this in our community because of our rich history with the military and our very active group of Gold Star families.”
Executive Office of Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago applauded the resilience of Gold Star families in the face of tragedy.
“They keep alive the stories of those who gave everything,” Santiago said. “They do it with grace, courage, and faith. They offer the gentle but powerful reminder that service does matter, and that our duty as civilians and veterans never ends. These are people who have lost something that will never come back, and they still show up for others. They turn pain into purpose.”
Santiago added, “This bridge will now carry that legacy forward and will become a symbol, connecting memory into action, sorrow into strength, sacrifice into service.”
Attendees and Gold Star Wives Donna Brown and Linda Cafferty Solimine were deeply moved by the renaming of the bridge.
“It is amazing to have our loved ones be acknowledged this way by the City of Lynn,” Brown said.
Cafferty Solimine said, “It’s such a great honor for Massachusetts to recognize our gold star families and our dear lost ones in this way. To have a place to come and reflect, no matter how many areas in the state honor veterans, this is going to be our place now.”
The Massachusetts Gold Star Families Bridge Committee consists of Gold Star Mother Robin Abbott, Gold Star Brother Bill O’Haire, Gold Star Mother Doris Syrakos, Gold Star Wife Elaine Savage, former State Rep. Peter Capano, Director of Lynn-Swampscott Veterans Services Mike Sweeney, and the Military Friends Foundation.
