DRACUT, MASS. (WHDH) - A fitting tribute as a community gathered in Dracut on Saturday to dedicate a park in honor of Army Specialist, Mathew Boule.
He was the first Massachusetts serviceman killed in the line of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“If he got mad at you, he’d be smiling. He’d still have a twinkle in his eye,” said his mother. “If he was cold, he’d give you the shirt off his back,” she said.
Boule was 22-year-old when he died in April of 2003.
His helicopter was shot down over Iraq.
A Massachusetts State Police chopper flew over the dedication in his honor.
Hundreds attended the ceremony, including Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. Gov. Charlie Bake gave the keynote speech.
“People will come, people will remember, and this place will be special and hallowed ground,” said Baker.
The governor noted how important it was to have a place to remember Army Specialist Boule.
Although he is gone, the community will always be able to visit The Army Specialist Mathew Boule Memorial Park.
“The funny thing is, when I saw the plaque, I cried because I just expected a bronze plaque. But it’s just so beautiful. It’s like I can reach out and touch him,” said his mother.
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