State Representative Steve Xiarhos, PO Box 617, East Sandwich, MA (2026)

06/02/2026

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!
CIVOC Annual Awards Night

Thank you to the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center.

I was proud to be present as Director Jim Seymour and his outstanding team hosted their annual awards ceremony, recognizing exceptional members of our community and awarding scholarships to deserving recipients.

The Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center is simply the best of the best. Every day, they do incredible work for veterans and their families across Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Their impact is felt far beyond the walls of their organization, and tonight was a powerful reminder of just how many lives they touch.

It was inspiring to be in a room filled with veterans, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters who all share a common purpose: giving more than they receive. The people recognized tonight represent the very best of our communities. Whether they served in the military or not, they have dedicated themselves to helping others, especially those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Community Partnership Awards, including Chantal Hayes-Rice, Elizabeth Reney and the Hyannis Elks Lodge, Matthew Levesque, and Arlene Alves and the Wilkens Family Dental Clinic. Congratulations as well to the Business Partnership Award recipients Crystal Sylvester, Lee Wilkie, Sheldon Stewart, and Ross Flanders.

The Veterans Advocacy Awards recognized Paul Brown, Robert Connor, and Brien Hines for their dedication to serving others. Tom Rooney received the President's Award, and Robert "Robbie" Fregeau was honored for his volunteer service to the food pantry.

I was especially proud to see my good friends Matt Levesque, Brien Hines, Sheldon Stewart, and Ross Flanders recognized. They are wonderful examples of people who quietly make a difference every day.

The evening also celebrated an outstanding group of scholarship recipients: Megan Bird, Caroline Smith, Tripp Arciaga, Jessica Girouard, Sara Talbot, Abigail Conover, Ava Prygoda, Gianna Pederzain-Brown, Cassidy Donovan, and others who represent the bright future of our communities.

A special honor for me was presenting the Corporal Nicholas G. Xiarhos, USMC Memorial Scholarship to my good friend Jeffrey Colby, a veteran and the Director of the Yarmouth Department of Public Works, as he continues his education at Suffolk University.

Veteran to veteran.

Thank you to the scholarship committee members, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who makes the Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center such a remarkable organization.

Congratulations to all of tonight's recipients. Your service, generosity, and commitment to others make Cape Cod and the Islands a better place.

God bless our veterans, their families, and all those who continue to serve others.
🇺🇸❤️😊🫡👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Cape and Islands Veterans Outreach Center
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund
Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen
Veterans Collaborative

06/02/2026

A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT IN MARSTONS MILLS
Marstons Mills Village Association Scholarship Night

What a beautiful evening last night at the Burgess House in historic Marstons Mills, right here in the Fighting Fifth District.

The members of the Marstons Mills Village Association deserve tremendous credit. This dedicated group of volunteers works hard all year long, organizing pancake breakfasts and countless other community events to raise funds that are then given right back to the community through scholarships for deserving young people from the great village of Marstons Mills.

I was honored to attend, offer remarks, and present the Nicholas G. Xiarhos “Do Most for Others” Memorial Scholarship to Callie Jo Michelle Callie. This scholarship honors my son, United States Marine Nicholas G. Xiarhos, and recognizes a young person who puts others before themselves and seeks a career dedicated to serving others.

I was also honored to speak about Sean Gannon and the lasting impact he continues to have on our communities. The Sean Gannon Scholarship was awarded to Brody Warren Nighan, a young person who embodies Sean’s generous spirit and commitment to serving others and giving back to the community.

Congratulations as well to the recipients of the Kevin Galvin Scholarships, Riley Grace Hickey and Megan Leah Garthee. These awards recognize compassion, generosity, volunteerism, and a commitment to helping others, values that Kevin Galvin demonstrated throughout his life.

The Donna Marie Lawson Scholarship was awarded to Kyla Amy Balestri. This scholarship honors Donna’s years of dedicated service to Marstons Mills and recognizes a student whose commitment to community service, preservation of local history, and love of village life reflects the values she championed for so many years.

As I looked at these remarkable young people and their families, I could not help but feel hopeful. The future is bright. These students represent the very best of our communities, and they carry forward the values of service, compassion, sacrifice, and community that Sean, Nick, Kevin, and Donna exemplified.

In many ways, Sean and Nick live on through these scholarships and through the lives of the young people who proudly carry their legacies forward.

God bless all of our scholarship recipients, their families, and the Marstons Mills Village Association.

And thank you, Millbillies!
🇺🇸😊🎓👏🏻

Marstons Mills Village Association
2nd Battalion 8th Marines- Front Toward Hero
Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund
Veterans Collaborative

06/02/2026

REMEMBERING BK

Still thinking about yesterday’s funeral for fallen firefighter Robert Kilduff, lovingly known as BK.

Inside that cathedral in Boston, filled wall to wall with firefighters from across America, colleagues from the State House, Boston City Hall, family, friends, and loved ones, you could feel the weight of it all. Outside, there were a thousand more standing in respect. It was surreal.

I was honored to stand in the streets of Boston as BK was carried by his brothers, honored on his final ride on a fire engine, with bagpipes echoing, motorcycles leading the es**rt, children in fire hats, and American flags waving. That is Boston. That is who we are.

The words from Bobby’s children will stay with me forever. His son spoke with love and strength, saying he hopes to be half the man his father was. The truth is, he already will be even more, because that is exactly what his father would want.

His daughter shared a story from when she was young at Edaville Railroad. She was on a ride that started moving, but she forgot to pull the handle. She stayed still while everything else kept going. She told it as a reminder to live fully, have no regrets, and never forget to pull the handle. If you want to do something in life, do it.

Do it in memory of BK and all of our brave first responders who go to work every day and every night, never fully knowing if they will come home.

My friend Boston Fire Lieutenant Greg Kelly, a Green Beret and warfighter, spoke powerful words that cut right to the heart of it. Bobby did not die alone. He was surrounded by his brothers, and he knew it. And the Boston Fire Department will take care of his family. He meant every word.

Another incredible friend, Sam Dillon, United States Marine combat veteran, wounded in war, now serving proudly as president of the Boston Fire Department, spoke with heart and conviction. He reminded everyone how special BK was, how strong and united the fire service is, and how proud he was to call Bobby his friend.

I will also never forget the sight of another wonderful friend, IAFF President Edward Kelly, on his knees presenting the fallen firefighter honor to Bobby’s children. Standing with him was my friend PFFM President Rich MacKinnon. These men have seen it all. They have stood with grieving families across our nation and through some of the darkest days imaginable. Yet watching them in that moment, showing such compassion, respect, and love for Bobby’s family, was incredibly moving. It is a sight I will never forget.

Bobby was also my friend. We met on the Boston Common when firefighters were there teaching elected officials who were willing to learn how to fight a fire. We went inside a training trailer in full gear, flames all around us, and you quickly learn your only way to stay safe is the brother behind you. On that day it was Sam Dillon and Bobby Kilduff. I am forever grateful for the picture we have together.

That is Boston. This is Massachusetts. And yesterday, we showed the world how you take care of your own.
🇺🇸🚒🙏🏻🫡

Boston Fire Department
Boston Firefighters Local 718 IAFF
Boston Police Department (Official)
City of Boston
Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM)
International Association of Fire Fighters

06/01/2026

POWERFUL DAY IN BOSTON
Please take two minutes to watch this clip from today’s funeral service honoring a fallen United States Marine, Boston Firefighter, and, most importantly, a devoted Father.

Inside the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, surrounded by hundreds of firefighters, police officers, citizens, family members, friends, and fellow elected officials, you could hear a pin drop. The love, respect, and emotion in that sacred space were overwhelming.

This clip captures it all.

The powerful words of my friend, Lieutenant Greg Kelly, who was there when this firefighter took his final breath and wanted everyone to know that he was not alone. He was surrounded by his brothers, and he knew it.

You will also hear the beautiful words of his children as they shared how close they were to their dad, the fun they had together, and the memories they will carry forever. One story from his daughter, from when she was a little girl growing into a young woman, brought both smiles and tears. Her simple line, “Don’t forget to pull the handle,” reminded everyone how precious family moments are and how quickly time passes.

It was a powerful reminder to cherish every day, make memories, and live life with no regrets.

Thank you to Channel 5 for putting together this moving tribute. It truly captures the spirit of this remarkable man.

I was proud to be there to honor this hero, this father, and this friend. Semper Fidelis.
🇺🇸😔🚒🙏

WCVB Channel 5 Boston
Boston Fire Department
Boston Firefighters Local 718 IAFF
International Association of Fire Fighters
City of Boston

06/01/2026

GOOD MORNING, FIGHTIN FIFTH!
WWP Cape Cod Soldier Ride 2026

Happy June! I hope everyone has a wonderful month ahead.

I also wanted to give everyone a heads up that the Wounded Warrior Project is bringing 50 wounded veterans to Cape Cod for the 15th year in a row. These warriors come from all across America. Some carry visible wounds, while others continue to battle the emotional scars of service. Thanks to the Wounded Warrior Project, they are flown to Massachusetts and brought to Cape Cod for four days of healing, camaraderie, and cycling.

Each year, a different group of veterans participates, and our communities do an incredible job making them feel welcomed, appreciated, and loved.

On Thursday, June 4—the opening ceremony featuring the Singing Trooper Dan Clark—begins at 9:30 a.m. at Buzzards Bay Park in Bourne. The riders will then travel along the Cape Cod Canal on the mainland side, turn around at Scusset Beach State Reservation, and return to Buzzards Bay.

On Friday morning, they will ride in Falmouth along the Shining Sea Bikeway, where residents traditionally come out in force to show their gratitude and support.

If you can, please consider stopping by one of the rides. Wave a flag. Make a sign. Bring your family. A simple show of appreciation means more than you can imagine to these warriors and their families.

This is one of the finest events of the year. The Wounded Warrior Project covers all travel, lodging, meals, and program expenses, allowing these veterans to focus on healing and connecting with one another.

We are proud to support this outstanding program and the brave men and women it serves.

Hope to see you Thursday or Friday.

Faith, Family, Friends, Flag, Freedom, Forever
🇺🇸❤️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️🚴💨

Wounded Warrior Project
Bourne Police Department
Bourne Fire/Rescue & Emergency Services
Town of Sandwich, MA
Sandwich Police Department
Sandwich Fire Department
Falmouth Police Department
Falmouth Fire/Rescue
Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund
Veterans Collaborative

06/01/2026

SAD NEWS TONIGHT
I learned with great sadness of the passing of Correction Officer John Edwards of the North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner.

Officer Edwards suffered a medical emergency while at his post on Sunday morning and died in the line of duty after 28 years of service with the Massachusetts Department of Correction.

I have visited our state prisons and I know the weight carried every day by our correction officers. They do difficult, often unseen work, standing watch to keep others safe inside our correctional system and across the Commonwealth.

Twenty eight years is a lifetime of service, discipline, and commitment. That matters. That deserves respect.

As a 40 year former police officer and current three term member of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, my heart goes out to his family, his fellow officers, and all who served alongside him. They are grieving a brother in service and they deserve our full support.

We honor Correction Officer Edwards for his service and we will remember his dedication to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
🇺🇸💙😔🙏🏻🫡

Massachusetts Department of Correction
Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union

05/31/2026

SAD NEWS FROM YARMOUTH POLICE
K9 Satu

Sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Yarmouth Police K9 Satu sometime Saturday morning. I remember when Satu came to YPD from Hungary as a young pup and how much K9 officer Mike Kramer loved him and bonded with him. They served together for so many years through dangerous situations, wonderful canine demonstrations with children, and successful searches for missing people.

He was also there during the loss of K9 Sergeant Sean Gannon, one of Mike’s closest friends, and the near loss of K9 Nero.

K9 Satu was there the whole time, totally dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens and visitors of Yarmouth, as well as every Cape town he was called to help, and especially to serve and protect his handler and all of the men and women in blue.

Such a loss.

Rest in peace, K9 Satu. Condolences to my brothers and sisters in blue and to K9 handler Mike Kramer.
🇺🇸💙😔🐕🙏🏻

Yarmouth Police Dept.
Cape Cod Regional Law Enforcement Council
Yarmouth Police Foundation
K9 PTSD Center

05/31/2026

THANK YOU FOR HONORING OUR FALLEN
Flags for the Fallen

Today, more than 100 volunteers came together to honorably retrieve 88,000 American flags from the graves of our fallen heroes at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

It is truly amazing.

For 15 years and counting, since Memorial Day 2011, people have come from all over Massachusetts and beyond to place these flags before Memorial Day and then return one week later to carefully retrieve them. The flags are respectfully stored and reused each year, ensuring this remarkable tradition continues.

Spread across more than 750 acres, the Massachusetts National Cemetery is a sacred place where heroes rest. Today, volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure every flag was respectfully recovered and preserved for future years.

This incredible mission exists because of the vision, dedication, and determination of Paul Monti, a Gold Star father, proud Massachusetts native, and longtime science teacher at Stoughton High School. He raised a son who became an American hero, Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti.

Paul fought tirelessly to create Operation Flags for Vets, and because of his leadership, this tradition continues to inspire thousands of volunteers each year. Jared rests at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, while Paul's unwavering commitment ensures that his son's legacy, and the legacy of all our fallen heroes, continues to inspire generations.

To every volunteer who came out today, thank you. You could have been anywhere else, but you chose to spend your time honoring those who gave everything for our nation. Your commitment ensures that the memory of our fallen heroes is never forgotten.

As a State Representative, a Gold Star father, and someone from a family with a long tradition of military and public service, I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you.

God bless the Monti family for keeping this dream alive.

And God bless our veterans, our military families, and our fallen.
🇺🇸⭐️🙏🏻🫡👏🏻

Operation Flags For Vets
Massachusetts National Cemetery
Gold Stars Mothers & Families. Our News.
American Gold Star Mothers, National (Official)
Blue Star Mothers - Eastern MA Chapter
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc
Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund
Veterans Collaborative

05/31/2026

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
88,000 Flags Recovered and Will be Ready for Veterans Day
God bless our Vets
🇺🇸⭐️⭐️🙏🏻🏍️

Operation Flags For Vets

05/31/2026

LIVE FROM OUR MASSACHUSETTS NATIONAL CEMETERY IN BOURNE, MASSACHUSETTS
Operation Flags for Vets 2026
🇺🇸⭐️🙏🏻🫡

Operation Flags For Vets
Massachusetts National Cemetery
Big Nick's Ride for the Fallen

State Representative Steve Xiarhos

06/02/2026

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