18 February, 2012
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray joined Hopkinton artist Dustin Neece and local Marines Bob Lavoie and John Cahill for a viewing of Neece’s large scale painting of the Battle of Iwo Jima as part of the Iwo Jima Day Celebration held at the State House on February 17. Neece’s painting is currently on exhibit by the Grand Staircase at the State House after being on display in the Marine Corps Commandant’s office for several months.
“It is clear from Dustin Neece’s painting that he is not only a talented artist, but also respectful of the experience veterans endured at Iwo Jima,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services. “I thank Bob Lavoie, John Cahill and all of our men and women who have bravely served our country, and appreciate Dustin’s tribute to our honored veterans.”
Neece’s painting depicts the Battle of Iwo Jima based on the experience of Marines Bob Lavoie and John Cahill, four other Marines and one sailor from Hopkinton who all served and returned safely from Iwo Jima. Neece was born and raised in Hopkinton, and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 2002. As a student, Neece won the nation’s top student award for a self-portrait titled “The Bowler.” He later graduated from Rhode Island School of Design.
"It was a tremendous honor to be part of the Iwo Jima Anniversary today," said Dustin Neece, painter of the Honoring the U.S. Marine Spirit on Iwo Jima. "And even more so to meet the Veterans, hear their stories and have had the opportunity to bring that to life for others. I'm so grateful for the chance to meet people like Bob Lavoie and John Cahill and to be a part of this project"
"It was an honor to recognize and thank our heroes who served on Iwo Jima and the sacrifices they have made for our country on this anniversary of the battle," said Rep. Carolyn Dykema. "I want to thank Hopkinton artist Dustin Neece for his painting that captures the emotion, sacrifice, and commitment of the Marines for future generations. It is a testament of Hopkinton's personal connection with a turning point of World War II through the experiences of Bob Lavoie, John Cahill and the 5 others who served in the deadly battle."
Today’s Iwo Jima Day Celebration is among the annual veterans events Lieutenant Governor Murray attends as Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services. Through the work of the Council and the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), the Patrick-Murray Administration continues to provide critical services and benefits for Massachusetts veterans and military families. With this commitment to over 385,000 veterans residing in Massachusetts, Massachusetts remains a national leader in support, outreach and benefits to our veterans. As part of its mission, DVS works to secure federal compensation and other benefits for eligible veterans and administers needs-based benefits program through veterans' service officers across Massachusetts. It also provides state funding to organizations offering homeless shelter, transitional housing, and outreach services to veterans.
