Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 9, 2026 ELECTION | FROM PAGE 1 “There’s an old saying that says a nation should never forget those who are willing to give everything for it,” said Castinetti. “Well, tonight we want you to know that we haven’t forgotten you either.” Castinetti told the crowd how Wong changed legislation to allow a Gold Star family to keep a commemorative license plate on a commercial vehicle the family owned. Previously, gold star plates could not be used on commercial vehicles, but Wong sponsored an amendment allowing the practice. The amendment was part of the larger BRAVE act for vetState Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) smiles and takes a photo of the crowd that gathered at the VFW Post 2346 for a surprise party to honor him for his years of dedicated service, support and advocacy on behalf of veterans and their families. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Siena Gleason) erans, passed in 2018. “That wasn’t just a bill,” said “WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated Castinetti. “Those plates represented a son who never came home.” Wong was presented with two additional citations — from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, or EOVS — honoring his commitment to veterans. Rep. Bradley Jones Jr., who presented Wong with the citation from the House at the September event, said he was a “staunch” advocate for the veteran community. “I have a POW/MIA chair outside my office, in no small part thanks to Donald’s effort to make sure it’s there,” Jones said. The empty chair signifies service members who have not returned home from war. There is one in the U.S. Capitol, but Jones made history in MassaMassachusetts House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), right, presents state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives during the Sept. 19 surprise party honoring him. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Siena Gleason) chusetts for being the “First one in the State House,” he said. Jones also spoke of the upcoming election cycle, in which Wong is running for reelection against Democrat Peter Meaney. Jones implored the audience to keep Wong in office so he can continue to “fight” for the veteran community. Dr. Andrea Gayle-Bennett, deputy secretary for the EOVS, presented Wong with the citation from that group, which oversees programs and serELECTION | SEE PAGE 9 HONORING A VETERANS ADVOCATE: State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus), left, with Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti, displaying the Veterans’ Champion Award he received from the veterans organizations of the 9th Essex District (Saugus, Lynn and Wakefield) during a Sept. 19 surprise party held at the Saugus VFW Hall. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Siena Gleason)
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