(BOSTON) – Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) joined his colleagues in the House to pass a bill that would rename a bridge on Cambridge Street in Burlington the Lance Corporal Gregory E. MacDonald Memorial Bridge. Marine LCpl Gregory MacDonald of Burlington gave his life serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bill is now pending before the Senate where Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) is working to get it passed.
“It is critically important that we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our safety. Dedicating this bridge in honor of Greg is one small thing we can do to honor his service to our country. It shows that Burlington will never forget his sacrifice” said Representative Ken Gordon.
“As we approach Veterans Day, it is only appropriate that we remember those who have put their lives on the line to secure our freedom,” said Senator Friedman. “Greg is one of those individuals, and we should be forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice he made for our nation and all that he contributed to our community.”
LCpl MacDonald graduated Burlington High School and subsequently moved to Washington, DC where he earned a master’s degree in Philosophy and Near East Policy from American University in 2001. In 1999, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. As a member of Bravo Company 4th Reconnaissance Battalion at Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD, LCpl MacDonald was activated in February 2003.
LCpl MacDonald died on June 25th, 2003 in the city of Hilla, Iraq at the age of 29. While another Marine unit was under ambush, LCpl MacDonald’s light armored vehicle raced to assist when the vehicle flipped, killing MacDonald and injuring two other Marines. LCpl MacDonald remains the only veteran from Burlington to be killed following 9/11.
The bill to rename the Cambridge Street bridge in LCpl MacDonald’s honor awaits a final vote from the Senate before moving to the Governor’s desk.