Friend,

Yesterday, I spoke with the families who lost loved ones to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home here in Massachusetts. The outbreak claimed the lives of 76 men who served our country bravely and with honor. They risked their lives to protect us and our freedom – from the shores of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam – but many of these veterans ended up losing their lives to COVID-19 under heartbreaking circumstances.

I offered my condolences to the families and announced to them that my office has indicted two leaders of the home on criminal neglect charges. We believe that the actions they took during the outbreak put the veterans at higher risk of infection and death.

We opened this investigation on behalf of the veterans who lost their lives or were sickened and their families. And we will continue our fight for justice on behalf of the veterans and their families.

I know that a criminal indictment will not bring back the loved ones they lost, but I hope it brings some solace.

Rest assured, my office will always stand up for our veterans and their families.

Thank you,

Maura