Photo: City Of Boston
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu declared Sept. 7, 2023, as Captain Thomas Kelley Day and has unveiled a new mural honoring the West Roxbury native.
Mayor Wu was joined by Boston's Veterans Services Commissioner Robert Santiago, the Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture, the Community Engagement Cabinet, Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services Jon Santiago, and the West Roxbury community as the curtain fell, revealing the painting of Captain Kelley along the wall of the Boston Ale House.
“Public art helps us highlight the values and achievements of our communities, telling the story of sacrifices and leadership that helped form Boston’s neighborhoods and our country. Commemorating Captain Tom Kelley’s decades of military service adds to the fabric of West Roxbury’s character,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to the local artist, community members, and city departments that made this artistic vision a reality, and most of all to Captain Kelley for his example of selfless leadership and dedicated service.”
The mural was painted by local artist, Laura DeDonato Wiatt.
“It was great working with Dan Hudson, Boston Ale House, and the people of West Roxbury,” said Laura DeDonato Wiatt, local muralist. “During the process of creating this painting, I learned so much about Captain Kelley through speaking to people who know and respect him. It was an honor to paint a portrait of a local hero.”
Kelley grew up in West Roxbury and went on to have a 30-year career with the U.S. Navy, before becoming a Medal of Honor recipient on May 14, 1970. After retiring, Captain Kelley worked for the Department of Defense, before taking a role as the Secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services.
“Medal of Honor recipient Captain Kelley is an American hero deserving of this dedication. This mural is a special 'thank you' from the community for his selfless devotion to our country,” said Boston Veterans Services Commissioner Robert Santiago. “As a city we recognize and honor our veterans and their families everyday. As an example of that, Boston has hosted the Medal of Honor convention for an unprecedented four times with the last one being in 2021. Just recently we dedicated the beginning of Route 20 here in Boston as Medal of Honor Highway and had the honor of having Captain Kelley at that dedication.”