Table of Contents
The following was submitted by the Office Sen. Jason Lewis:
On May 22, Winchester resident Margaret Labedz was recognized at the Massachusetts State House during the state’s first-ever Military Appreciation Day.
The event was hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature to honor veterans, active-duty service members, and military families for their service to our country and communities.
Winchester resident Margaret Labedz takes a tour of the State House with Sen. Jason Lewis. COURTESY PHOTOS/OFFICE OF SEN. JASON LEWIS
Labedz was nominated by Sen. Jason Lewis for her many years of strong support and advocacy for the military and veteran communities.
Labedz was raised in Malden, currently resides in Winchester, and has been a stalwart advocate for veterans and service members for her entire life. As a part of the Victory Troubadours during World War II, Labedz would sing, dance, and take time out of high school to perform for the troops overseas.
Along with her family in Massachusetts, she would support soldiers before, throughout, and after their service with food and entertainment, as well as by sending countless care packages and letters to soldiers who did not have family supporting them during their service.
As a member of the Red Cross, Labedz would visit hospitals to visit soldiers and has continued to volunteer and run programs for hospitals in the years since.
Her devotion to the military is deeply personal — her father, brother, husband, and sons all served in the military. She is a member of the VFW Auxiliary and is the current president of the Winchester VFW Auxiliary. Labedz continues to coordinate remembrance ceremonies throughout the region and to march in the Winchester Veterans and Memorial Day parades each year.
“I was so proud to nominate Margie for this award. She works hard every day to ensure that our veterans, past and present, are remembered and well taken care of,” said Lewis. “Margie ensures that we honor and appreciate our veterans’ commitment to our nation, and this is an opportunity for us to honor her in return for her countless years of service to the community.”
Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, and Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago were joined by retired General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps) to celebrate the inaugural Military Appreciation Day at the State House.
Dunford delivered a keynote address discussing the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations.
