Veterans' Commission on Monuments, Memorials, and Dedications

The Hero Square Dedication honors veterans who have demonstrated extraordinary service, heroism, and/or lasting contributions to the U.S. Military and the Somerville community.

All applications are subject to review and final approval by the Somerville Veterans Commission, which evaluates applications based on the criteria outlined below. (Note: the requirements were updated 9/29/2025.) 

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, the living or deceased veteran must:

1. Be a veteran of one of the six Armed Forces of the United States, including the Reserve, National Guard, or United States Merchant Marines.
2. Performed a heroic or distinguished act completely without regard for personal safety and well-being.
3. Provide proof of service with a copy of the DD-214, clearly showing an honorable discharge (character of service), dates of service, and any awards or decorations.
4. Have a strong connection to Somerville, either as a resident or having lived a significant portion of their life in the city.

Additional Criteria That Strengthen an application

The following distinctions or service contributions may enhance a nominee’s eligibility:

Military Awards & Distinctions

• Congressional Medal of Honor
• Purple Heart
• Silver Star
• Bronze Star
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medal
• Any combat-related award, medal, or citation for valor, heroism, or service above and beyond the call of duty
• 100% VA Service-Connected disability due to wounds sustained in battle

Civic & Community Contributions

• Service in public office (elected or appointed)
• Honorable service in the National Guard or Reserves for a combined service time of over 25 years
• Exceptional leadership in a veterans’ or community organization that has made a lasting impact on Somerville
• Distinguished public service as an employee of the City of Somerville

Evaluation Criteria

The Somerville Veterans Commission assesses nominees based on:

• Dedication: Commitment to supporting fellow veterans and their community.
• Service: Meaningful contributions through military, civic, or advocacy efforts.
• Excellence: Serving as an example and role model for other veterans.

A one-page biography detailing the nominee’s military service, civic contributions, and lasting impact on the Somerville community is required. Supporting documents such as awards, citations, and newspaper clippings may be included to strengthen the nomination.

Hero Square Dedication Process

To request a Hero Square dedication, families must submit an application to the Veterans Commission, providing details of the honoree and preferred sign location. Once approved, the Veterans Department will coordinate with the Parking Department for sign creation, installation, and ceremony details. A $125 fee is required for each sign. Signs are typically produced within 8 weeks.

Dedication ceremonies are held twice a year: in May during Armed Forces Week (3rd week) and in November during the week of Veterans’ Day.

Additional Recognition Option

If a nominee does not fully meet the Hero Square Dedication criteria, they may be eligible for inclusion in the Hero Dedication Honor Roll, a recognition program honoring individuals for their dedication and service. Honorees selected for the Hero Dedication Honor Roll will be recognized through another method (e.g., a public listing on the city website, a commemorative plaque, or an annual ceremony). Specific details will be provided upon approval.

Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office via email: veterans@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 ext. 4700. We are here to assist you with this process.

The Department of Veterans' Services is pleased to announce the Reestablishment of the Veterans' Commission for Memorials, Monuments, and Dedications (VetCMMD). The board members have received training and has been sworn in by the City Clerk.

• Kevin Dickinson
• Thomas Gorman
• James Marques
• Ellen Sullivan
• Jodi Vachon
• Staff Liaison: Nancy Blanchard, Veterans' Services Project Manager

Proper Disposal of the American Flag

1. Cut the blue field apart from the stripes in a respectful way. Once the flag has been cut into these two separate parts, it is no longer considered to be a flag.
2. If the flag materials are cotton, bury the pieces in the ground. Make sure you have permission from the property owner.
3. If the flag materials are nylon, tie the pieces inside a plastic bag and recycle them with other plastic objects.
4. In the past, unserviceable flags were often ceremonially burned. DO NOT BURN NYLON FLAGS, AS THEY WILL PRODUCE POISONOUS GASES.
5. Citizens with further questions may call the Department of Veterans’ Services at 617-625-6600 ext. 4700.

Henry Hansen Park, located at the corner of Medford St. and Partridge Ave., honors Sergeant Henry O. “Hank” Hansen, a Magoun Square resident killed in action just one week after participating in the first flag-raising on Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi. The current Park features a garden, benches, a granite memorial tablet and a sculpture “tree” bearing information about World War II. The City of Somerville welcomes residents to take part in the community meeting process to oversee the Park's redesign honoring Sergeant Hansen's sacrifice.

May 1, 2018 Community Meeting

• Presentation Slides (PDF)

March 26, 2018 Community Meeting

• Presentation Slides (PDF)

August 21, 2018 Community Meeting

• Details

September 26, 2018 Community Meeting

• Details