Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 31, 2024 Memorial Day 2024 Gold Star Wife receives medal on behalf of her late husband, a Vietnam War veteran who died from serviceconnected wounds decades after his service By Mark E. Vogler N ear the end of last Saturday’s (May 25) Memorial Day observance in Riverside Cemetery, Saugus honored Donna Whittemore-Farris – one of its Gold Star Wives – with the state’s new Medal of Fidelity Award. Whittemore-Farris is the widow of U.S. Army veteran Everett Farris, who served in the Vietnam War from February 1966 to February 1969. Whittemore-Farris blames his death (2010) on exposure to chemicals, which left him paralyzed years after his Vietnam service. He was a decorated veteran who served in the Anti-Tank Company of the 169th Infantry Regiment. 50 “The Medal of Fidelity is among the first medals of its kind presented by the Commonwealth to recognize veterans who have lost their lives as the result of service-connected illness and injuries,” Saugus Veterans Services Officer Paul J. Cancelliere told the crowd during the special presentation. Cancelliere noted that the Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Medal of Fidelity compliments the Medal of Liberty presented by the state. “The Medal of Fidelity recognizes the enormous toll of exposures during combat that may last many years beyond the battles. The Medal of Fidelity also recognizes service-connected illnesses and injuries diminishing a service member’s quality of life,” Cancelliere said. “The Medal of Fidelity represents our commitment to honor sacrifices made by vetHIGH CLASS | FROM PAGE 3 his chair on the stage to embrace his daughter. Rachel is one of 17 members in the Class of 2024 who graduate as members of the National Honor Society. She served GOLD STAR WIFE HONORED: Donna Whittemore-Farris received a new award for her late husband’s sacrifice in the Vietnam War. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) erans and their families,” he said. Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti presented the medas class treasurer and is headed to UMass Lowell to study Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics. She received a Certificate of Merit with Highest Honors from the Society of Women Engineers. She is one of 13 Advanced al to Whittemore-Farris, who is an active Gold Star Wife in the Saugus community and a frequent participant in veterans-related events. Academy Scholars – an honor she shares with the top four students in the class: Sarah Lande Dorielan, the Valedictorian – the top ranked student in the graduating class. She plans to attend Tufts University in the fall to study Biopsychology. She received the Excellence in English Award selected by the English Department. Gabriella Lucia Huber, the Salutatorian – the second top ranked student in the class. She plans to attend Saint Joseph’s College of Maine to study Biology and Premed. She received the Excellence in Science Award selected by the Science Department. She received a Certificate of Merit with Highest Honors from the Society of Women Engineers. Kathryn Coelho DeSouza, one of the two graduation Marshals – the third top ranked student in the class. She plans to study Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell this fall. She received a Certificate of Merit with Highest Honors from the Society of Women Engineers. Jessica Marianne Bremberg, HIGH CLASS | SEE PAGE 5
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