BOSTON, MA — The push to establish First Responders Day as a national holiday to honor first responders — the fallen, currently serving, and retired — is once again gaining momentum.
Proponents of the national holiday hope to success similar to that of the First Responders Day that was established in the past legislative year as a statewide holiday.
The bill that led to the adoption of the Massachusetts holiday was originally drafted and proposed in January of 2015 by Representative Miceli of Wilmington, and signed into law in April of this year.
The legislation, drafted initially as House Bill 2791, has since been redrafted to H4161 and declares the Sunday preceding the third Monday in April as First Responder’s Day. H2791 received popular support among the House of Representatives when offered by Miceli, and enjoyed bi-partisan backing including that of Representative James Arciero, Representative Marcos A. Devers, Representative Diana DiZoglio, Representative Rady Mom, Representative Donald Wong, and Senator Barbara L’Italien.
“I am very proud that the Commonwealth took a leading role in establishing First Responders Day on the state level, but is also leading on a national level through Congressman Capuano’s efforts. For years we’ve duly honored our veterans and service-members, and we now rightfully honor those who put on fire, police, and EMT uniforms to serve us every day in our communities,” said Representative Miceli. “After the Boston bombing led to Wilmington losing one of our own Officer Sean Collier, this holiday is the least we can do to honor the members of our communities that act so bravely following tragedies. It is my sincere hope that the Massachusetts state legislature’s effort is emulated by Congress in establishing a legal public holiday.”
“Earlier this month marked fifteen years since we were struck by the worst attack in our nation’s history,” continued Miceli. On that day alone our country lost over three hundred of our first responders. Time and time again our first responders show their courage and dedication to their fellow citizens despite the risk presented by tragedies like the Boston Marathon bombing and September eleventh. Because of this, I urge citizens across the country to write to their representatives and join Congressman Capuano in establishing a national First Responder’s Day.”
(NOTE: The above press release is from State Rep. Jim Miceli’s Office.)
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