The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Executive Department

State House Boston, MA 02133

(617) 725-4000

MITT ROMNEY

GOVERNOR

KERRY HEALEY

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 15, 2006

CONTACT:

Eric Fehrnstrom

Felix Browne

(617) 725-4025

ROMNEY HONORS THE MEMORY OF FALLEN SOLDIER

Governor Mitt Romney today signed legislation dedicating a bridge across the Merrimack River in Amesbury in honor of Army First Lieutenant Derek S. Hines, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005. A 2003 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Hines was a member of the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, which was deployed to Afghanistan in March of 2005. Members of Hines’ family and the bill’s legislative sponsors joined the Governor at the State House for the bill signing ceremony.

“Lieutenant Derek Hines was a good and decent man who personified our country’s finest traditions of service and valor,” said Romney. “For his willingness to put himself in harm’s way and sacrifice his own life for the sake of our freedom, he has earned our most profound respect and appreciation.”

“My family is honored and grateful for this dedication,” said Steven Hines, Derek’s father. “This legislation doesn’t turn back the clock but it does ensure that Derek’s legacy and sacrifice will live on.”

Lieutenant Hines grew up in Amesbury and Newburyport and was a star high school hockey player at St. John’s Prep in Danvers. He continued his passion for the sport while at West Point, starting in each of his four years as a forward on the Army hockey team. He was a fan favorite who was well known for his work ethic and for his complete dedication to his teammates.

Upon deployment to Afghanistan, Hines’ company was tasked with rooting out Taliban combatants in the southeastern part of the country. During firefights with the enemy, Hines demonstrated remarkable bravery and on numerous occasions acted decisively to assist his men when they were in trouble. Hines was killed on September 1, 2005 during an early morning raid of a Taliban commander’s hideout in the remote village of Baylough.

“This bill isn’t just about remembering a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country; it’s about recognizing a young man who was a model son, brother, and community member,” said Senator Steven Baddour. “Even amidst the worst fighting in Afghanistan, the words he shared with his parents were only of comfort. We hope to memorialize him for what he did, but, more importantly, for who he was.”

“Derek sacrificed his own life for the greatest good, for our freedom, and this is only a small way to recognize our debt to him,” said Representative Michael Costello. “He touched the lives of many people in Newburyport and Amesbury, which makes this bridge an appropriate memorial since it connects both communities.”

The Lieutenant Derek S. Hines Memorial Bridge spans the Merrimac River from Deer Island to Main Street in Amesbury. The Massachusetts Highway Department will erect signs that display the bridge’s new name.

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