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Whalen recognized at Military Appreciation Day

Mike Whalen (center) poses for a photo at the State House with daughter Suzy and Rep. James Arena-DeRosa at the second annual Military Appreciation Day, at which Whalen was recognized for his service to local veterans. PHOTO/OFFICE OF REP. JAMES ARENA-DEROSA

Hopkinton resident and Marine Corps veteran Mike Whalen recently was recognized at the Massachusetts State House for his contribution to veterans communities in town and across the state.

Whalen joined fellow veterans, state representatives, Gov. Maura Healey and others at the State House last Friday for the second annual Military Appreciation Day. The Healey Administration created the day last year “to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities,” according to a press release.

Each legislator had the opportunity to nominate a member of their local military community. Whalen was one of 136 honorees recognized and presented with an official citation from the governor and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.

For Whalen, the event was awash in familiar faces. “I knew quite a few of the honorees,” he said, explaining that his work as a service officer for the American Legion in Boston puts him in contact with other veterans advocates across the state. 

“I look at these types of events as dual-purpose,” Whalen continued. “[They] honor the people who do the type of work I do but also give the younger generation something to think about, and perhaps might inspire them to follow a similar course.”

In a press release, Rep. James Arena-DeRosa lauded Whalen for his work with Hopkinton’s American Legion, local media and the Hopkinton Historical Society in sharing the stories of veterans and their service. He highlighted Whalen’s contributions as chair of the Veterans Celebration Committee and organizing the monthly veterans breakfasts as well.

The press release also revealed Whalen was asked to serve on a statewide committee helping incarcerated veterans through their transition back into civil society.

“It was my honor to nominate Michael Whalen for this well-deserved award, and a pleasure to welcome Mike and his daughter Suzy to the State House today for the celebration with the governor and lt. governor,” Rep. Arena-DeRosa stated in the release.

Whalen remained humble when asked how he felt about being honored. “I’m not seeking recognition,” he said, “but it’s nice to be recognized.”

“The things I do are a lot of fun, and I’m going to keep doing them,” he added.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

Workers walk on the (current) top level of the building under construction at the former Hopkinton Drug property downtown.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR