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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022 Page 9 Driver’s license bill wins support of 15 mayors and managers F ifteen mayors and city managers from across Massachusetts recently announced their support for An Act relative to work and family mobility during and subsequent to the COVID-19 emergency (Senate Bill 2289) in a letter submitted to the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation. The bill, which is currently awaiting a report from the Committee, would allow immigrants without status to qualify for a Massachusetts Standard Driver’s License as long as they have valid proof of identity, date of birth and Massachusetts residency. The Act was reported on favorably by the Committee on Transportation in 2020 and was poised for passage last session. Reintroduced this session, the bill has now earned more than 100 cosponsors in the House and Senate, and the Driving Families Forward Coalition supporting the bill has grown to include more than 270 endorsing organizations, including community, health, faith, labor, business and law enforcement leaders. Mayors and managers from Amherst, Arlington, Boston, Brockton, Brookline, Cambridge (mayor and city manager), Chelsea, Malden, Medford, Newton, Randolph, Revere, Salem and Swampscott joined together in support of the bill. In the letter the Massachusetts mayors and city managers noted that the proposal would greatly improve road safety and increase the ease with which law enforcement offi cers conduct their regular duties. “This bill would provide broad benefi ts to our municipalities. Our streets will be safer for everyone when all drivers have passed road tests, and vehicles are registered and insured,” the letter reads, in part. “Indeed, many of our policy chiefs support the bill as a public safety tool and agree that it will enable law enforcement to better identify individuals at traffi c stops or scenes of an accident,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “All Boston and Massachusetts adults deserve access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. I support the Family Mobility Act because it will make all of us safer.” “The Work and Family Mobility Act is a commonsense measure that will improve the safety of our streets and strengthen the ability of Massachusetts families and workers to access essential services, health care, education, and places of work,” said Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts cities and towns have consistently stepped forward to help all of our residents, and now we’re calling on the legislature to do the same. This measure is endorsed by both law enforcement leaders and advocates for our immigrant neighbors. Let’s make sure our Commonwealth is a place that works for and welcomes everyone by adopting this important legislation.” “Providing access to driver’s licenses to immigrants makes all of our communities safer and more equitable,” said Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller. “Swampscott is one of the most densely settled communities in the Commonwealth. As we look to the future, it’s clear we need a focus on pedestrian safety and complete streets to help balance the needs of all modes of transportation,” said Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “Welcoming new residents, regardless of where they come from or the circumstances of their arrival, is important to the long-term economic and social well-being of Greater Boston and the entire Commonwealth,” said the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s Deputy Executive Director of Public Aff airs and Advocacy, Lizzi Weyant. MAPC led the creation of the municipal sign-on letter sent to the Joint Committee on Transportation. “The Legislature has a real opportunity to meaningfully address some of the structural barriers facing our undocumented residents,” said Weyant. “This legislation gives us an opportunity to start to change the way that we treat and include vital members of our communities.” Four Chaplains Day to be observed on Thursday, February 3, 2022 O n February 3, American Legion Posts and other Veteran organizations around the country will observe Four Chaplains Day. This day commemorates the events of February 3, 1943, when the troop ship USAT Dorchester was sunk. The Dorchester left New York harbor on January 23, 1943, carrying four chaplains and about 900 passengers, including troops, merchant marines and civilians, as part of a convoy of three ships. Off the coast of Newfoundland at 12:55 a.m. on February 3, the Dorchester was torpedoed by a German submarine. As the Dorchester began to sink, four chaplains of diff erent religions – George L. Fox (Methodist), Alexander D. Goode (rabbi), Clark V. Poling (Baptist) and John P. Washington (Catholic) – were helping to calm the passengers and organize an orderly evacuation. The life vests were passed out, but the supply ran out before the last remaining passengers had one. The four chaplains took their own vests and gave them away. The Chaplains continued their eff orts to help as many as possible to board the rescue boats. Having done all that they could, the Chaplains linked their arms together, said prayers and sang hymns as they went down with the ship. There is a connected story to this disaster. A young Black Coast Guard Petty Offi cer, Charles W. David Jr., was serving on one of the escort cutters named the Comanche. David and his shipmates were able to rescue 93 of the 227 Dorchester survivors. David dived into the water constantly to pull people to the rescue vessels. A month later he contracted pneumonia from his eff orts and died. Subsequently, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism posthumously. In 2013 the Coast Guard named a coast guard cutter for David to honor his heroism. The Four Chaplains were posthumously awarded Purple Hearts and Distinguished Service Crosses on December 19, 1944. In 2006 they were awarded Medals of Honor. A Four Chaplains Medal was introduced by Congress on July 14, 1960. The medals were presented posthumously to the next of kin of each of the Four Chaplains of Dorchester on January 18, 1961. In 1988, Congress established February 3 as Four Chaplains Day. This day is observed with offi cial proclamations and fl ags fl ying at half-mast. The four chaplains, Charles David and others sacrifi ced their lives so others may live. May their memories be eternal. Malden Post 69 will join other Posts to honor these men on Sunday, February 6 at Saint Raphael Church in Medford at 2 p.m. The public is invited. www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Paul at (617) 387-5457 for details. WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma

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