09/22/2026
Last night, during public comment at the Billerica Select Board meeting, the attached letter was read into the public record and a copy was provided to each member of the Board.
The same letter will now be provided to all elected officials within the Town of Billerica and will remain an ongoing request from Billerica Veterans Services during election cycles.
The message is simple:
Our veterans and their families come first.
Elected officials and candidates are always welcome at our public events. We simply ask that these events remain separate from campaigning, political influence, or electoral gain—both while attending and in how participation at the event is subsequently used.
Our veterans and their families represent every political affiliation and viewpoint. They deserve an environment where they can honor service, remember those we have lost, access resources, and participate in their community without politics becoming part of the purpose.
There is another important reason for this request.
We have heard directly from veterans in our community who have chosen to stay away from the Veterans Services office or veteran events because of their perception of past political involvement surrounding the office and political activity they continue to see throughout community events.
That concerns me. Our job is to reach veterans—not create another reason for them to stay away. Every perception that our office, programs, or events are connected to politics creates another unnecessary barrier between a veteran and the services, benefits, resources, and community they may need.
Part of our work today is building and maintaining that trust. Veterans should never have to consider someone’s politics before deciding whether they feel comfortable walking through our door or attending an event held for them.
These events belong to our veterans and their families. They are not campaign events, campaign backdrops, or opportunities for political promotion.
This request applies equally to everyone, regardless of office, party, affiliation, or political viewpoint.
We appreciate the continued support of our elected officials and welcome their participation. We simply ask that when we come together for our veterans, the focus remains where it belongs—on our veterans, their families, their service, and their sacrifice.
Honor. Serve. Remember.
